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"Find a life worth enjoying": Dame Deborah's final letter to her family

<p dir="ltr">Dame Deborah James wrote a heartwarming letter to her family in her final days before succumbing to bowel cancer at the age of 40. </p> <p dir="ltr">The popular British media personality, mother-of-two and podcaster who raised millions of dollars for charity <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/vale-dame-deborah" target="_blank" rel="noopener">passed away</a> “peacefully” on June 28.</p> <p dir="ltr">In a section of a book titled How To Live When You Could Be Dead, Dame Deborah penned the final letter which her family would be left with. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I am currently sitting here next to the love of my life, Sebastien,” the letter began. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I never quite knew if you could really have a love of your life, but I now know what the very core of unquestioned love is between two people.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I have always loved my husband. I fancied him from when I first met him, and I knew I would marry him after our third date. It was clear to me that, while he wasn’t perfect, there was something about him that was right for me.”</p> <p dir="ltr">She then reflected on their time together and said it was so important to take time for the marriage and how sometimes you forget your loved one is there when life gets busy. </p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s easy to forget that the person you love is still there in front of you when things are clouded by the annoyance of childcare logistics, money pressures and living like ships in the night,” her letter continued.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CfXIN1-ob4X/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CfXIN1-ob4X/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Deborah James (@bowelbabe)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“I wish I had learned at a young age that making time for your marriage to work should be as much a part of your timetable as going to the gym or cleaning your teeth.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s important that you don’t allow the big arguments to build up, when all you really want is to forget about everything and cuddle the one person who you love.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Dame Deborah then got candid about her feelings following her diagnosis with cancer, confessing that she felt “robbed” for not being able to be herself. </p> <p dir="ltr">“As cancer brings my life to an end, I feel this cruel realisation that I’m not fully able to be myself with the one person I have adored and needed in my life more than anyone else,” she wrote. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I feel robbed of the freedom of a body without pain to kiss with, the freedom for us to make whimsical plans for our future and retirement together.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Our goals and dreams have had to be adjusted week by week and day by day, depending on my cancer.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The media personality then reached a part for her children Hugo and Eloise as she recalled precious memories she had while raising them. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I’ve learned that there are many ways to parent — nothing is right or wrong as long as there is love,” she wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There are mental snapshots of being a parent that will never leave you. But the beautifully etched memories that will come to you in your death are not necessarily the ones you might expect.</p> <p dir="ltr">“One of my first is of Hugo when he was four days old. He was lying next to me in our double bed in our flat, and he was looking for my breast to feed on — he was yellow and had a big conehead.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I remember looking at this little 6lb ball cradled against my tummy and thinking that it was only at this point that I had begun to understand what love was.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I now look at that same 14-year-old boy, who still takes the time to cuddle up next to me on the sofa, and I would give anything to continue being able to protect him in the way I did when he was just four days old.” </p> <p dir="ltr">Dame Deborah then ended with a reminder, telling readers that it is okay to relax and take time for yourself. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Take time out. Relaxing isn’t an indulgence — it’s a form of refilling ourselves. None of us can drink from empty cups.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Each day, do things that make you happy — build them into your life and never criticise others for the things that make them happy.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Every day we wake not knowing if we will see the full 24 hours of the day, so as the sun comes up on a new day, we should feel blessed.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We are given 86,400 seconds every day, and we each choose how to use them.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It is only as they begin to slip away from us that we understand the value of each and every one of those seconds.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>You can read the entire letter from Dame Deborah James from How To Live When You Could Be Dead, by Deborah James out on August 18, 2022. </strong></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

Vale Dame Deborah

<p>Deborah James, popular British media personality, has lost her battle with bowel cancer, dying at the age of 40.</p> <p>The mother-of-two and podcaster who raised millions of dollars for charity, "passed away peacefully" at home where she had been receiving hospice care, her family has announced.</p> <p>She received huge attention for detailing her five-year fight with terminal bowel cancer on the popular BBC podcast You, Me and the Big C.</p> <p>She stepped away from her career as a deputy headteacher and began blogging about her diagnosis under the name Bowel Babe in 2017.</p> <p>Dame Deborah went on to become a columnist for The Sun and released a book, F**k You Cancer: How to Face the Big C, Live Your Life and Still Be Yourself.</p> <p>Her fundraiser, the Bowelbabe Fund, has seen more than $12 million raised for bowel cancer. Soon after the fund's launch, Dame Deborah received a damehood from the Queen with Prince William personally delivering the honour at her parents' home.</p> <p>The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge praised her fundraising achievement saying in a tweet: "Every now and then, someone captures the heart of the nation with their zest for life & tenacious desire to give back to society. @bowelbabe is one of those special people."</p> <p>Upon entering end-of-life care a month ago Dame Deborah said: "I am not brave - I am not dignified going towards my death - I am simply a scared girl who is doing something she has no choice in but I know I am grateful for the life that I have had."</p> <p>In a statement shared, Dame Deborah's family said: "We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Dame Deborah James; the most amazing wife, daughter, sister, mummy. Deborah passed away peacefully today, surrounded by her family.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CfXIN1-ob4X/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CfXIN1-ob4X/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Deborah James (@bowelbabe)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"Deborah, who many of you will know as Bowelbabe, was an inspiration and we are incredibly proud of her and her work and commitment to charitable campaigning, fundraising and her endless efforts to raise awareness of cancer that touched so many lives.</p> <p>"Deborah shared her experience with the world to raise awareness, break down barriers, challenge taboos and change the conversation around cancer. Even in her most challenging moments, her determination to raise money and awareness was inspiring."</p> <p>In Dame Deborah's final podcast she urged her listeners to watch for signs of bowel cancer.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

News

Deborah James sees the rose named after her

<p dir="ltr">Podcast host Deborah James’ visit to the annual Chelsea Flower Show was made particularly special when she was able to see a rose that has been named after her.</p> <p dir="ltr">James visited the show on Tuesday with her husband, where the couple were taken on an hour-long private tour and posed for photos alongside her namesake flower.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Flowers are a reminder of our future,” James said, per the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-61587714" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BBC</a>. “We plant the seed not knowing what we might see grow.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Being around nature gives us a lift and it is a reminder that life continues to blossom, even in some of the hardest places, and brings a smile to all of our faces, even in the hardest of times - particularly mine.”</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-08540c7c-7fff-cd53-eb12-24d742270dba"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">James also shared the news with her fans on social media several days before her visit to Chelsea, admitting that she “actually cried” when Word of Roses and the Harkness Rose Company, which bred the rose, asked if they could name the flower after her.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CdyqOLdomRQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CdyqOLdomRQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Deborah James (@bowelbabe)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“Roses are my favourite flowers and I hope this one will brighten the smiles for all!” she wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">James said she hoped the flower might feature in her daughter Eloise’s wedding bouquet in the future.</p> <p dir="ltr">“What breaks my heart and brings me the most beautiful thought, is that this variety will and can now be grown forever, and maybe one day even Eloise might choose to have it in her wedding bouquet.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The 40-year-old journalist <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/we-have-tried-everything-tv-host-stops-cancer-treatment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recently revealed</a> that she would be receiving end-of-life care for her bowel cancer.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-7390d14b-7fff-e75f-e41c-3e2c2371b27b"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Following her health update, over £3 million was raised for her campaign, the Bowelbabe Fund and James received a damehood from Prince William, who visited her home to present her with the honour.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CdgvKgJoPzN/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CdgvKgJoPzN/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Deborah James (@bowelbabe)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">The sale of Dame Deborah James Roses will also contribute to her cause, with £2.50 from every rose sale being paid to the Bowelbabe campaign.</p> <p dir="ltr">“What also brings me so much joy is to know that the rose will also be incorporated into the company’s new Community Gardening Scheme which aims to get more vulnerable groups and people from underrepresented backgrounds involved in gardening,” James wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Harkness have pledged to give away 1,000 Dame Deborah James roses to community gardens across the UK this autumn time.”</p> <p dir="ltr">James described the rose variety as a “floribunda” which produces masses of white blooms with a subtle “ballet slipper pink” centre.</p> <p dir="ltr">The flowers will also be available to pre-order for delivery in Autumn 2022.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-1cded974-7fff-fe43-7693-6aae9420c666"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @bowelbabe (Instagram)</em></p>

Caring

Young mum given three years to live after beautiful gesture

<p><span>Megy Gough received the shock of her life when she was told she’d have just three years left to live.</span><br /><br /><span>Following a wonderful gesture where she rallied 30 vendors to gift a $50,000 wedding to a couple who survived bowel cancer, she found out in November 2019 that she had the same horrible disease.</span><br /><br /><span>The disease had already spread to her liver and lymph nodes, and doctors declared her cancer “inoperable”.</span><br /><br /><span>However the mother-of-one is determined to watch her four-year-old daughter, Harper, grow up.</span><br /><br /><span>“My heart breaks at the thought of not being able to watch her grow up to be the woman that we're raising her to be. But, for her I know I have to fight this disease,” Mrs Gough told the <em>Gold Coast Bulletin.</em></span><br /><br /><span>The 31-year-old skin with her husband are fighting hard, despite losing their jobs at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.</span><br /><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840595/daily-story-a-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/02fc17707b644c5087829c927129f58e" /><br /><span>The pair are trying to fund integrative oncology, which is not covered by Medicare and will cost her more than $50,000.</span><br /><br /><span>While it won’t cure her disease, doctors say, it will buy her time.</span><br /><br /><span>It was only four years ago that Mrs Gough gave back to the community by helping a cancer-stricken couple.</span><br /><br /><span>She roused dozens of vendors to donate their services for a $50,000 wedding as a present for Rebecca Limb and Matt McLean.</span><br /><br /><span>“After the wedding I was providing her with assistance around growth shampoos, to help with her hair regrowth after her chemotherapy. Now the tables have turned. I could never have imagined that I would be walking down the same tough road though just a couple of years later,” she said.</span><br /><br /><span>Mrs Gough said she missed key signs that her health was deteriorating, and put her symptoms down to exhaustion as she had started her own company within the same year.</span><br /><br /><span>She admitted her health had become a “last priority”.</span><br /><br /><span>After delaying a doctor’s visit for six months, she says it is a decision that became the “biggest regret of her life”.</span><br /><br /><span>Mrs Gough underwent 17 major rounds of chemotherapy after she could not find any doctors in Queensland willing to give her surgery.</span><br /><br /><span>She eventually found a Sydney doctor to take on her case.</span><br /><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840597/daily-story-a.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/c7ae29be7be14378b6d7b9000de35ba6" /><br /><span>They gave her a peritonectomy in August to remove half of her bowel and 75 per cent of her liver, gallbladder, appendix and stomach lining.</span><br /><br /><span>Sadly, the family received another devastating blow when it was discovered there were two nodules in a scan that had become active.</span><br /><br /><span>Doctors also found cysts on her ovaries tha were determined to possibly be cancer.</span><br /><br /><span>She went on to undergo surgery to remove spots on her lungs, but ended up in an induced coma for five days, with liver failure and a collapsed lung.</span><br /><br /><span>The harsh reality has not deterred Mrs Gough’s hope, as she remains determined to have more time with her family.</span><br /><br /><span>The family has set up a GoFundMe page to help the couple through their hardship.</span><br /><br /><span>“I’ve always struggled and hated asking for help. I would prefer to help,” she said.</span><br /><br /><span>“But I realised you either ask for help or you could potentially never see your daughter grow up.”</span></p>

Body

Dame Julie Walters reveals frightening cancer diagnosis

<p>Veteran British actress Julie Walters has revealed she was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2018.</p> <p>The<span> </span><em>Harry Potter<span> </span></em>and<span> </span><em>Mamma Mia!<span> </span></em>actress says the news of being diagnosed with stage three of the disease left her and her husband, Grant Roffey, in a state of shock.</p> <p>"I couldn't believe it," she told<span> </span><em>BBC's</em><span> </span>Victoria Derbyshire, describing the moment she told her husband as one she would “never forget”.</p> <p>"I'll never forget his face. And tears came into his eyes," she admitted.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8r1vjUgWRx/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8r1vjUgWRx/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">Julie with her husband, Grant, and her daughter, Maisie, at the Buckingham Palace when she received her OBE (1999). #buckinghampalace #obe #JulieWalters #juliewaltersbrasil #damejuliewalters #britishcomedians #mammamia #educatingrita #michaelcaine #harrypotter #juliewaltersmovies #nationaltreasure #mollyweasley #billyelliot #juliewaltersbrasil #goldenglobewinner #calendargirls #educatingritauk #baftawinner #oscarnomination #london #bafta</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/juliewaltersbrasil/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Julie Walters Brasil</a> (@juliewaltersbrasil) on Feb 17, 2020 at 2:36pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The 69-year-old star says that despite being cleared of the disease around 18 months ago, the diagnosis left her pondering on her life.</p> <p>Decidedly, she has chosen to be more particular with the workloads and projects she takes on.</p> <p>The BAFTA-winning actress told Derbyshire that she visited her doctor after suffering from a number of symptoms, including indigestion, stomach pain and vomiting.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8ydB1RgmZj/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8ydB1RgmZj/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Julie Walters Brasil (@juliewaltersbrasil)</a> on Feb 20, 2020 at 4:15am PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>While filming <em>The Secret Garden</em> Walters found out that a CT scan had uncovered an abnormality in her intestine, which specialists feared was cancer.</p> <p>The star underwent surgery, which removed approximately 30cm of her colon.</p> <p> She also underwent chemotherapy – both experiences she detailed as ones that “completely changed” her perspective towards acting.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8yv0Epgmym/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8yv0Epgmym/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by The Wizarding Washingtons (@the_wizarding_washingtons)</a> on Feb 20, 2020 at 6:59am PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"I feel like the person before the operation is different to this person," said Walters, adding that she enjoyed stepping back from her intensive workload.</p> <p>Walters has been nominated for two Academy Awards — for her supporting roles in <em>Educating Rita</em> and <em>Billy Elliot</em> — and also played Molly Weasley in the <em>Harry Potter</em> movie franchise.</p> <p>"I'm not saying I'll never act again," Walters said.</p> <p>Instead, she says she will likely opt not to star in a film that required her to work 14-hour days, five or six days a week.</p> <p>A recent scan has shown Walters she has fully recovered from her frightening ordeal.</p> <p>As she moves on to new ventures, the actress says the new “merry-go-round” of acting projects lined up for her has given her a sense of “relief”.</p>

Movies

Australians urged to give up meat for a week

<p>Australians are encouraged to lay off pork, beef and lamb as Meat Free Week returns for its seventh year.</p> <p>In an effort to raise awareness of bowel cancer, Aussies have been challenged to try a plant-based diet for seven days.</p> <p>An average Australian eats 585g of red and processed meats – including bacon, ham and sausages – every week, according to <span><a href="https://www.mlahealthymeals.com.au/meat-consumption/how-much-meat-do-we-eat/">Meat & Livestock Australia</a></span>.</p> <p><span><a href="https://www.who.int/features/qa/cancer-red-meat/en/">Studies</a></span> found that bowel cancer risk increases by 17 per cent for every 100g of red meat consumed daily and by 18 per cent for every 50g processed meat eaten per day.</p> <p>Bowel cancer is Australia’s second deadliest cancer, taking 103 lives each week.</p> <p>Instead of pushing vegetarian or vegan diets, the campaign simply seeks to promote consumption of vegetables and wholegrains, said Claire Annear, national community engagement manager at Bowel Cancer Australia.</p> <p>“Meat Free Week is all about awareness,” Annear said.</p> <p>“For meat lovers, it’s not about promoting a complete shift to a vegetarian or vegan diet. The campaign supports a pause and for people to make more informed decisions if they’re eating over the recommended intake.”</p> <p>Nutritionist Teresa Mitchell-Paterson said fruits and vegetables will help stave off various types of cancer, including bowel. “The highest reduction of risk is seen in people who eat above 200 grams of vegetables and 100 grams of fruit daily,” she said.</p> <p>“As a nutritionist who has been personally affected by bowel cancer, I know we can’t change some bowel cancer risk factors such as genetic makeup, family history or increasing age, but we can make simple diet and lifestyle changes starting today for a better tomorrow.”</p> <p><span><a href="https://www.cancer.org.au/preventing-cancer/reduce-your-risk/understanding-meat-and-cancer-risk.html">Cancer Council</a></span> recommends limiting red meat consumption to 455g per week and avoiding processed meats to minimise cancer risk.</p>

Body

Here's what you can eat and avoid to reduce your risk of bowel cancer

<p>Australia has one of the <a href="http://gco.iarc.fr/today/data/factsheets/cancers/10_8_9-Colorectum-fact-sheet.pdf">highest rates of bowel cancer in the world</a>. In 2017, bowel cancer was the <a href="https://canceraustralia.gov.au/about-us/news/cancer-australia-2017">second most common cancer in Australia</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/whats-behind-the-increase-in-bowel-cancer-among-younger-australians-105484">rates are increasing</a> in people under 50.</p> <p>Up to <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(05)67725-2/fulltext">35 per cent of cancers worldwide</a> might be caused by lifestyle factors such as diet and smoking. So how can we go about reducing our risk of bowel cancer?</p> <p><strong>What to eat</strong></p> <p>Based on <a href="https://www.wcrf.org/sites/default/files/Colorectal-Cancer-2017-Report.pdf">current evidence</a>, a high fibre diet is important to reduce bowel cancer risk. Fibre can be divided into 2 types: insoluble fibre, which creates a bulky stool that can be easily passed along the bowel; and soluble fibre, which draws in water to keep the stool soft.</p> <p>Fibre from cereal and wholegrains is an <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22074852">ideal fibre source</a>. Australian guidelines suggest aiming for 30g of fibre per day for adults, but <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29751656">fewer than 20%</a> of Australian adults meet that target.</p> <p>Wheat bran is one of the richest sources of fibre, and in an <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8537982">Australian trial</a> in people at high risk of bowel cancer, 25g of wheat bran reduced precancerous growths. Wheat bran can be added to cooking, smoothies and your usual cereal.</p> <p>It’s not clear how fibre may reduce bowel cancer risk but <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29333111">possible mechanisms</a> include reducing the time it takes food to pass through the gut (and therefore exposure to potential carcinogens), or through a beneficial effect on gut bacteria.</p> <p>Once bowel cancer is diagnosed, a high fibre diet has also been <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29098294">associated with improved survival</a>.</p> <p>Milk and dairy products are <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24023767">also thought</a> to <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21617020">reduce bowel cancer risk</a>. The evidence for milk is graded as “probably protective” in <a href="https://wiki.cancer.org.au/australia/Guidelines:Colorectal_cancer/Primary_prevention_dietary_and_lifestyle#Dietary_fibre">current Australian bowel cancer guidelines</a>, with the benefit increasing with higher amounts.</p> <p>Oily fish may also have some protective elements. In people with hereditary conditions that make them prone to developing lots of precancerous growths (polyps) in the bowel, a <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=20348368">trial</a> where one group received a daily supplement of an omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (found in fish oil) and one group received a placebo, found that this supplement was associated with reduced polyp growth. Whether this is also true for people at average risk of bowel cancer, which is most of the population, is unknown.</p> <p>And while only an observational study (meaning it only shows a correlation, and not that one <em>caused</em> the other), <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29158191">a study of bowel cancer patients</a> showed improved survival was associated with daily consumption of coffee.</p> <p><strong>What to avoid</strong></p> <p>It’s best to avoid large quantities of meat. International cancer authorities affirm there is <a href="https://www.wcrf.org/sites/default/files/english.pdf">convincing evidence</a> for a relationship between high meat intake and bowel cancer. This includes red meat, derived from mammalian muscle such as beef, veal, lamb, pork and goat, and processed meat such as ham, bacon and sausages.</p> <p>Processed meats have undergone a preservation technique such as smoking, salting or the addition of chemical preservatives which are associated with the production of compounds that <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(15)00444-1/fulltext">may be carcinogenic</a>.</p> <p>Evidence also suggests a “dose-response” relationship, with cancer risk rising with increasing meat intake, particularly processed meats. <a href="https://wiki.cancer.org.au/australia/Guidelines:Colorectal_cancer/Primary_prevention_dietary_and_lifestyle#Dietary_fibre">Current Australian guidelines</a> suggest minimising intake of processed meats as much as possible, and eating only moderate amounts of red meat (up to 100g per day).</p> <p><strong>What else can I do to reduce the risk of bowel cancer?</strong></p> <p>The key to reducing cancer risk is leading an overall healthy lifestyle. Adequate physical activity and avoiding excess fat around the tummy area is important. Other unhealthy lifestyle behaviours such as eating lots of processed foods have been <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/360/bmj.k322">associated with</a> increased cancer risk.</p> <p>And for Australians over 50, participating in the National Bowel Cancer Screening program is one of the most effective, and evidence-based ways, to reduce your risk.</p> <p><em>Written by <span>Suzanne Mahady, Gastroenterologist & Clinical Epidemiologist, Senior Lecturer, Monash University</span>. Republished with permission of </em><a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/heres-what-you-can-eat-and-avoid-to-reduce-your-risk-of-bowel-cancer-120084" target="_blank"><em>The Conversation</em></a><em>.</em></p>

Food & Wine

6 silent symptoms of bowel cancer you might be missing

<p>Bowel cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women in Australia and is more common in people over the age of 50. Rectal bleeding is the most obvious symptom of bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, but other signs may be far more subtle. If you notice any of the following signs, talk to your doctor.</p> <p><strong>You learn you’re anaemic</strong></p> <p>A diagnosis of anaemia may be the first sign that you’re bleeding internally, even if you haven’t seen any other bowel cancer symptoms. “If a woman is menstruating, anaemia is less likely to be followed up with additional tests to see if it could be something else, like bowel cancer,” says cancer specialist Dr Randall Holcombe. “If a man is anaemic, you assume he’s bleeding from somewhere.” It’s not uncommon for people to bleed internally for up to six months before anything shows up in the stool, says Dr Patricia Raymond, a university fellow in Gastroenterology. If you experience any signs of anaemia, such as fatigue, skin pallor or dizziness, see a doctor, as they can also be bowel cancer symptoms.</p> <p><strong>You can’t catch your breath</strong></p> <p>Another side effect of a slow internal bleed is shortness of breath. If you aren’t bleeding aggressively or vomiting blood, your body puts more plasma in the blood without making more iron or red blood cells, says Dr Raymond. This prevents you from losing blood in large volumes but reduces your blood’s ability to carry oxygen, which is why you might be short of breath – one of the overlooked bowel cancer symptoms.</p> <p><strong>You feel bloated or crampy</strong></p> <p>“If things are starting to get blocked and backed up in the colon, you may experience bloating,” says Dr Holcombe. If you’re feeling a little puffy or crampy, there are many other factors that may be to blame, but if stomach symptoms persist, it could be a symptom of bowel cancer. If you start to notice a constant pain in the right side of your abdomen, that may mean the disease is in the later stages and has spread to the liver, he says.</p> <p><strong>You have severe constipation</strong></p> <p>A bout of constipation here and there is probably nothing to worry about, but if it becomes severe and persistent, it could be one of the symptoms of bowel cancer. “This is suggestive of some sort of obstruction, and if it seems to be there all the time, you should get it checked out,” says Dr Holcombe.</p> <p><strong>You pass skinny stools</strong></p> <p>Pay attention to what’s in the toilet, even if you don’t see blood – it can reveal lesser-known bowel cancer symptoms. If your stool consistently takes on a very narrow or skinny shape when it was previously chunky, that could point to a restriction in the colon caused by polyps, says Dr Raymond. Persistent diarrhoea may also be one of the symptoms of bowel cancer.</p> <p><strong>Your stool is a strange colour</strong></p> <p>Bleeding from the rectum may not always come in the form of bright red blood, says Dr Holcombe. Dark, tarry stools are a sign there’s probably some blood in there, and while it could be caused by something less serious, like an ulcer, this can also be one of the symptoms of bowel cancer, he says.</p> <p><em>Written by Alyssa Jung. This article first appeared in </em><span><a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/healthsmart/conditions/cancer/6-silent-symptoms-of-bowel-cancer-you-might-be-missing"><em>Reader’s Digest</em></a><em>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, </em><a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRA93V"><em>here’s our best subscription offer.</em></a></span></p> <p><img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" /></p>

Body

Woman rejected for bowel cancer test after discovering she was pregnant

<p>A Melbourne woman has spoken out about being refused a test for bowel cancer because she was pregnant.</p> <p>32-year-old Rachel Hustler told <a rel="noopener" href="https://10daily.com.au/news/australia/a190820zaluk/woman-refused-bowel-cancer-test-after-discovering-she-was-pregnant-20190820" target="_blank"><em>The Project</em></a> she began noticing blood when she went to toilet in November last year. While her initial blood tests for colorectal cancer came out negative, her doctor ordered her to have an extended checkup.</p> <p>Hustler then booked in for a colonoscopy, a procedure that examines the entire inner lining of the bowel for polyps and tumours. However, the endoscopy clinic cancelled the treatment upon finding out that she was four weeks pregnant by the time her scheduled appointment came around.</p> <p>“They just said that they can’t do a colonoscopy on a pregnant lady,” she said.</p> <p>According to Professor Graham Newstead of Bowel Cancer Australia, colonoscopy can be performed in the first trimester of pregnancy without triggering a miscarriage if done carefully.</p> <p>Hustler asked her GP to refer her to another clinic, but was told she might just have haemorrhoids. “I got in and they said, ‘Oh you probably just have hemorrhoids, which are common when you’re pregnant’,” she told <em><a href="https://www.whimn.com.au/strength/health/rachel-was-elated-at-being-pregnant-then-she-was-diagnosed-with-bowel-cancer/news-story/eac34a373a893e8c28c05441175c7280">Whimn</a></em>. ”This was despite me telling them I’d been experiencing this issue for a few months prior to my pregnancy.”</p> <p>Finally, when pregnancy reached the 12<sup>th</sup> week, a friend’s family member who is also a gastroenterologist booked her in for a less invasive procedure called sigmoidoscopy. The short test showed nothing, and she was told she would have to wait until after her pregnancy to undergo a colonoscopy.</p> <p>But her symptoms exacerbated. In July she went through a second sigmoidoscopy, which revealed a tumour. She was then diagnosed with stage-three bowel cancer. Despite its conception as “an old person’s disease”, one in 11 Australians diagnosed with bowel cancer are aged under 50.</p> <p>It is the second most deadly cancer in Australia after lung cancer, claiming 5,375 lives every year.</p> <p>“It was so frustrating to see her try to get answers and not be able to get them,” Hustler’s husband Jared told <em>The Project</em>. “She knows her body and that much blood, that much pain just wasn’t normal.”</p> <p>“All the doctors kept telling me I was too young,” Hustler said.</p> <p>Last week, a month after receiving her diagnosis, Hustler gave birth to her daughter Alya 10 weeks early via caesarean section. </p> <p>Hustler advised people to pursue their own treatment even after refusals. “I just want people to take from my story that if you do feel something is wrong with you, keep persisting, keep going to the doctors, don’t give up,” she said.</p>

Body

Gogglebox Australia star reveals health battle: "My body is growing cancer"

<p><em>Gogglebox Australia</em> star Isabelle Silbery has revealed her fight with cancer and is encouraging fans to get health checks. </p> <p>In an Instagram post on Wednesday night, the 33-year-old said she had three polyps removed from her bowel the day before.</p> <p>“I'm not posting this for sympathy as I'm totally fine,” she wrote on the post. “But more a little public safety announcement to anyone who has been putting off that 'check up'... the time is now.”</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BsrjnOzA65x/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BsrjnOzA65x/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">Everything is AOK👌 I'm not posting this for sympathy as I'm totally fine but more a little public safety announcement to anyone who has been putting off that 'check up'.....the time is now. 8 months ago I was really sick in NY on a girls trip & put it down to gastro but in my gut (pardon pun) I knew something was up & chose not to ignore the symptoms. Turns out, I needed to have two high-grade cancer polyps cut out of my bowel a few months ago...the doc said that if left any longer, it wouldn't have been good. I won’t lie, I was googling how to have sex with a colostomy bag😔🤦🏻‍♀️ I’m becoming quite the ‘bum-cam’ pro, as those in the know call it, having three more polyps cut out yesterday with good results! It’s all been unexpected, I’m still annoyed that my body is growing the C word but relieved I’m on top of things now. And after the prep + starvation, the sandwiches were bloody delicious 🥪 💁🏻‍♀️🎥🍑 . #getchecked #health #selfcare #unsexy #shitpost #wellbeing #cancersucks</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/isabellesilbery/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> Isabelle Silbery</a> (@isabellesilbery) on Jan 15, 2019 at 7:36pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The TV star also revealed that she had two “high-grade” polyps removed months prior. </p> <p>“8 months ago I was really sick in NY on a girls trip & put it down to gastro but in my gut (pardon pun) I knew something was up & chose not to ignore the symptoms,” Silbery wrote.</p> <p>She is now recovering at home.</p> <p>“It’s all been unexpected,” Silbery said. “I’m still annoyed that my body is growing the C word but relieved I’m on top of things now.”</p> <p>Australia has one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world. 1 in 13 Australians will develop the disease in their lifetime, and the cancer risk increases significantly from the age of 50. For people of this age, Bowel Cancer Australia recommends taking a screening every two years.</p>

Caring

Easy lifestyle habits that prevent bowel cancer

<p><em><strong>Marissa Sandler is the CEO and co-founder of <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.careseekers.com.au/" target="_blank">Careseekers</a></span>. Previously a social justice lawyer and researcher for over 15 years, Marissa is passionate about helping people live with dignity and finding innovative solutions to problems.</strong></em></p> <p>Eighty Australians die from bowel cancer every week. The month of June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month and today is Bowel Cancer Australia’s Red Apple Day, where Australians are encouraged to support the vital work of Bowel Cancer Australia through the purchase of a Bowel Cancer Awareness Ribbon and apple themed fundraising activities.</p> <p>The risk of bowel cancer rises sharply and progressively from the age of 50, so if you are aged 50 years and over 'doing nothing is not an option' when it comes to bowel cancer.</p> <p>On a positive note bowel cancer is one of the most treatable types of cancer if found early. </p> <p>As we all know prevention is better than cure. It is estimated that changes to diet and physical activity could reduce the incidence of bowel cancer by up to 75 per cent.</p> <p>We have created seven easy-to-remember tips for everyday of the week to help you incorporate changes into your diet that can make all the difference.</p> <p><strong>Mondays – milk and moving</strong></p> <p>Studies show that milk (9 per cent decreased risk per 200g/d), and calcium (22 per cent decreased risk for groups with the highest calcium intakes – dietary and supplemental sources) probably protect against bowel cancer.</p> <p>Make Monday the day when you have that glass of Milk. If you are lactose intolerant or don’t like drinking milk you can have 2½ serves a day of milk alternative with added calcium (100mgs per 100mls).  </p> <p>Start every Monday by doing a 30-minute walk. At least 30 minutes of physical activity every day is necessary to reduce the risk of bowel cancer. If you are time poor make sure you can account for 10,000 steps. Some tips to do this – park the car two blocks further than you normally would, take the stairs, walk instead of drive to your local café or shops.</p> <p><strong>Tuesdays – treadmill and turmeric powder</strong></p> <p>There is a low incidence of bowel cancer in India and some research has linked this to the natural antioxidant curcumin which is the yellow pigment in the spice turmeric, used in curry powder. We cannot make sweeping generalisations about one food source and one culture, nevertheless turmeric is gaining popularity as a superfood. Add it to your serving of greens, in an omelette, over roasted vegetables or even have it as a tea.</p> <p>And don’t forget to get walking on a treadmill on Tuesday. Treadmill walking is a great controlled option for extreme weather days (too hot, too cold, too rainy) or if you prefer the safety of walking in a busy gym or at home if you are lucky enough to own a treadmill. Put it in front of the television or tune into a podcast or audio book – 30 minutes will feel like 5!</p> <p><strong>Wednesday – walking and wholemeal grains</strong></p> <p>Yes, we are walking again on a Wednesday. You should be walking an extra 30 minutes at quite a high intensity everyday so if it isn’t part of your weekly routine start off twice a week and before you know it you won’t be able to finish the day without a brisk walk. It doesn’t only help in the prevention of bowel cancer but it will improve your mood.</p> <p>You should always be choosing wholemeal breads over white bread. Ryes, sourdough and soy and linseed are excellent options. If you prefer white bread make Wednesday the day you swap over to wholemeal and hopefully soon it you will become your preferred bread.</p> <p><strong>Thursday – throw out processed meats and reduce your tipple</strong></p> <p>Although there are lots of things you should add to your diet there are also some elements which should be thrown away. Thursday can be the day where you throw away processed meats from your diet, cold cuts, sausages, salamis, canned meats. They are not nutritionally beneficial to your diet. If throwing away is too drastic, start by reducing the amount you eat. </p> <p>Limit consumption of alcohol to no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women, with two alcohol free days a week.  </p> <p>Studies show a 10 per cent increased risk per 10g ethanol/day for bowel cancer.</p> <p><strong>Friday – fruits (especially those with edible skin) and fitness</strong></p> <p>You should be eating 2 serves of fruit every day and fruit with edible skin are filled with even more fibre. In winter get your hands on apples and pears and in summer you have even more choice; plums, peaches, nectarines, kiwi fruit (yes you can eat the skin of a kiwi fruit!)</p> <p>Here are some ideas for fitness on a Friday – yoga, Pilates, cycling, bushwalking, paddle boarding, sailing, golf, bowls, squash, or if you are in the mood- a dance class!</p> <p><strong>Saturday – swimming and sweet potatoes</strong></p> <p>Get your 30 minutes of exercise in on a Saturday by swimming. Swimming is a year-round sport. There are so many indoor pools, or if it is summer head to a nearby beach and get some activity in the water. Water aerobics is also a great option and lots of indoor pools have classes on a Saturday Morning.</p> <p>The high fibre food for today is sweet potatoes. Roast and bake them and serve them with sweet chilli sauce for a delicious snack that you can eat on the run. Don’t forget to leave the skin on for even more fibre.</p> <p><strong>Sunday – stroll and sweet tooth</strong></p> <p>Sunday can be the day you congratulate yourself for all your hard work in the week towards improving your lifestyle habits to reduce the risk of bowel cancer.</p> <p>Take a long stroll by yourself or with loved ones and reward yourself with something sweet. Sweet treats like cakes and biscuits are ok in moderation but if you really want to make sure it is nutritionally positive why don’t you try the following as a sweet treat?</p> <ul> <li>Dark chocolate</li> <li>Strawberries dipped in dark chocolate</li> <li>Smoothie</li> <li>Homemade fruit popsicle</li> <li>Baked fruits with cinnamon (apples or pears)</li> <li>Sugar free muffins</li> </ul> <p>Good luck. It is never too late to start making changes.</p>

Caring

Everything you need to know about Irritable Bowel Syndrome

<p>Irritable Bowel Syndrome isn’t the most glamourous health condition out there, nor is it something people necessarily like to discuss outside their GP’s office, but the fact is around 10-15 per cent of the world’s population are likely to experience it.</p> <p>It’s one of those disorders that you could live with for years and not recognise what it really is. In fact, even those who recognise they have symptoms don’t always seek treatment. We spoke to Sydney nutritionist <a href="https://www.instagram.com/eatlovebelieve/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Lisa El-Behnaihy</span></strong></a> to learn more about the condition.</p> <p>“It is characterised by abdominal cramping and altered bowel movements, although not all symptoms are gastrointestinal, with fatigue being a very common symptom,” she explains. “Signs and symptoms must be present for at least 12 weeks and the patient must have at least 2 of the 3 following features – a change in stool, a change in frequency of a bowel movement (i.e. diarrhoea or constipation) or abdominal pain/bloating.”</p> <p>Sufferers can develop IBS at any age, but some experts believe stress may be a factor. Women are also at a slightly higher risk of the condition, with around just one third of sufferers reported to men.</p> <p>While medication is available, IBS is best treated by changes to the sufferer’s diet. <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/health/body/2016/03/low-carb-diet-for-irritable-bowel/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Low-FODMAPs diet</span></strong></a> is particularly popular among those affected as it cuts out fermentable carbohydrates – a food group particularly triggering for sufferers.</p> <p>However, there are other small changes you can make to help alleviate symptoms. Here are Lisa’s top tips.</p> <ol> <li>Avoid trigger foods.</li> <li>Supplement your diet with a probiotic to repair and maintain healthy gut flora.</li> <li>Increase intake of water and fibre to encourage healthy bowel movements.</li> <li>Exercise more to maintain GI function and reduce stress, thus improving symptoms.</li> </ol> <p>In addition to the above, Lisa recommends a few nutrients to help reduce inflammation.</p> <ol> <li>Glutamine – also improves gut barrier function. Aim for between 500 and 3,000 mg per day.</li> <li>DHA/EPA – also regulates mood. Try for 1–3 grams per day.</li> <li>Curcumin – also provides antioxidant benefits. It is found in turmeric but also comes in tablet form.</li> </ol> <p><em>Any advice in this article is for information purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment in any manner.</em></p>

Body

5 things you must do if IBS strikes on holidays

<p>Irritable bowel syndrome can ruin an overseas trip if you’re not prepared. As Dr Rob Matthews from Cremorne Medical states, “Travelling with IBS can be a real challenge as the new foods you are likely to eat can trigger a worsening of symptoms.”</p> <p>Here’s how you manage this condition when travelling overseas.</p> <p><strong>1. If concerned stick to bland foods</strong></p> <p>If you’ve noticed some of the symptoms of IBS (abdominal pain, bloating, cramps) you might be better off sticking to bland foods for the remainder of your journey. As Dr Matthews states, “It is recommended that you try to stick to blander foods which you are familiar with and avoid any foods which you know make your IBS worse.”</p> <p><strong>2. Make sure you’ve packed solutions</strong></p> <p>Preparing can make the major symptoms easier to manage if they do strike you down. As Dr Mathews states, “It is important to be prepared by carrying with you an antidiarrhoeal and also a laxative in order to manage any constipation or diarrhoea you may experience.”</p> <p><strong>3. Take care in underdeveloped countries</strong></p> <p>As Dr Mathews states, “Travelling in developed countries is often easier as there is generally better access to clean toilets and uncontaminated food.” If your itinerary includes places where you’ll be exposed to food and drink of a questionable quality, make sure you’re extra cautious in terms of what you’re putting in your mouth. </p> <p><strong>4. If IBS strikes try to relax</strong></p> <p>It’s probably the last thing you’re thinking of doing, but you can actually help ease the symptoms of IBS by relaxing.</p> <p>Even if it means taking a half day out of your schedule, the rest of your trip may benefit from the time off. As Dr Mathews says, “One of the best things you can do is try and relax and enjoy your trip as stress can often make matters worse.”</p> <p>Have you ever had a nasty case of IBS while you were on holidays? Let us know in the comments section below, we’d love to hear from you.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/travel/travel-tips/2016/09/things-to-consider-when-travelling-with-hearing-loss/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>4 things to consider when travelling with hearing loss</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/travel-tips/2016/09/10-of-the-most-annoying-things-on-a-flight/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>10 of the most annoying things on a flight</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/travel-tips/2016/09/how-to-manage-poor-vision-while-on-holidays/"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>How to manage poor vision while on holidays</strong></span></em></a></p>

Travel Tips

I survived bowel cancer

<p><em><strong>Marsie Hurren shares her incredibly brave journey of beating bowel cancer.</strong></em></p> <p>During September of 2014 I had visited my GP due to a change in bowel habit, he sent me off for a routine colonoscopy. After the procedure, the receptionist handed me an appointment card with another appointment the following week. I thought that a bit odd, I thought I would go back to my GP for the result but I had to come back to the clinic the following week.</p> <p>I didn't have to wait very long before being called into the Gastroenterologist's office. He starts off by saying "I could not complete the colonoscopy due to a blockage". My mind was racing, what does he mean, blockage? Why didn't he take it out? Then next thing I heard was "It is indicative of cancer". I don't really remember much after that, everything seemed to be in slow motion as we walked back to the car. The following days were a whirlwind of tests and appointments and I found myself in surgery a few days later to remove the tumour.</p> <p>So many things went through my mind, who would look after my partner, what would he do without me? My beautiful granddaughter, Hayley, I want to be here to see her grow up, and my children, who would guide and watch over them? Would they miss their mother as much as I did? I tried to remain positive but it was so hard. I joined a Facebook support group for Bowel Cancer Survivors which was a great source of information and support but during my time on this forum so many of our fighters have lost the battle. So many young people are being affected by this hideous disease, it breaks my heart. Young people with young families, why them and not me?</p> <p>Surgery was followed by nine months of chemotherapy. At times during the treatment I was so ill I actually wanted to die. I would drag myself out of bed every morning and look out my bedroom window at the garden that we had planned and talked about so much and wonder "Will I ever see it finished"? Then I would think of all the people I love, my partner, my beautiful children and my gorgeous little granddaughter and it would give me the fight to go on. Chemo was not very kind to me, it not only made me quite ill but it took away my self-confidence and instilled a fear that I cannot seem to shake off so many months later. My head is still foggy, like it was during chemo, I forget so many things. I suppose it will right itself eventually.</p> <p>But here I am 18 months later with another beautiful granddaughter, Olivia, and no evidence of disease! I have just commenced a six month "Healthy Living after Cancer" program run by the Cancer Council which is designed for those like me who have struggled to get back to “normal” after treatment. The program gives you over the phone coaching and support with diet and exercise and is really helping me put my life back on track.</p> <p>I will still need to have six monthly check ups and yearly scans for the next five years to ensure there is no reoccurrence but I'm still here. My motto is NEVER GIVE UP!</p> <p><em>For more information about bowel cancer, please visit the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.jodileefoundation.org.au/" target="_blank">Jodi Lee Foundation.</a></strong></span></em></p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/health/body/2016/06/colorectal-surgeon-on-why-over60s-need-to-screen-for-bowel-cancer/">A colorectal surgeon on why over-60s need to screen for bowel cancer</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/health/body/2016/06/bowel-cancer-screening-kit-saved-my-life/">The bowel cancer screening kit saved my life</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/health/body/2016/05/nick-lee-on-why-he-started-the-jodi-lee-foundation/">What I did after my wife passed away from bowel cancer</a></strong></em></span></p>

Body

A colorectal surgeon on why over-60s need to screen for bowel cancer

<p><em><strong>Dr Andrew Luck is the colorectal surgeon at the Lyell McEwin Hospital in Adelaide. He is a member of the Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand, and is a Board Member of bowel cancer prevention charity, The Jodi Lee Foundation.</strong></em></p> <p><img src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" alt="Image result for Dr Andrew Luck jodi lee" class="rg_i" style="width: 169px; height: 192px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; float: left;"/>Australia has one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world. It’s a devastating disease, impacting far too many people in the community. As a colorectal surgeon I deal with all complaints related to the bowel, but have a special interest in the prevention and management of bowel cancer. I have been a Board Member of bowel cancer prevention charity, The Jodi Lee Foundation, since 2012 and am Chairman of its Medical Advisory Committee.</p> <p>Bowel cancer awareness is definitely on the rise and groups like The Jodi Lee Foundation are making an impact. They spread the word about bowel cancer, and more importantly that it can be prevented or cured if found early enough. It’s becoming a less taboo subject, meaning that people are more comfortable talking about it.</p> <p>People who are over 60 years of age are at a higher risk of bowel cancer than younger people. In fact, risk increases sharply and progressively from age 50. Early detection is vital to the outcome. Despite all of our modern treatments such as surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, about 30 percent of people who get bowel cancer die from it, and it’s usually an awful demise, involving considerable pain and suffering.</p> <p>Bowel cancer often has no symptoms until the cancer had advanced or spread, which is why screening with the home test is essential to detecting it early. The test identifies small amounts of blood in the faeces. If a person returns a positive test, a colonoscopy is then needed to find out the cause of the bleeding. If it was due to a polyp (40 per cent of the time) and the polyp can be removed, then a bowel cancer may have been prevented. If it is due to a cancer that is already present (two per cent of the time) then the likelihood is that there will be a better outcome than if the cancer was found later, when symptoms showed.</p> <p>A patient with Stage I bowel cancer will need an operation, but has a 95 per cent chance of being alive and well in five years’ time. A Stage III diagnosis, where lymph nodes are affected, means that six months of chemotherapy is required, and the five year survival rate is around 50 – 60 per cent. A Stage IV diagnosis, which means the cancer has spread to other major organs such as the liver or lungs, is rarely curable, and has a five year survival rate of less than 10 per cent.</p> <p>It’s frustrating that people are choosing not to screen, despite the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) providing free kits to a number of age groups from age 50. The simple test has the potential to save a many lives.</p> <p>The NBCSP is still several years away from being fully implemented to provide free kits every two years. All of the statistics show a benefit for these tests if they’re taken at least every two years, so it is vital that people do a test from the doctor or the chemist in the in between years.</p> <p>I urge everyone to take the home screening test regularly. You don’t want to experience what many of my patients and their families have endured.</p> <p><em>For more information about preventing bowel cancer, please visit <a href="http://www.jodileefoundation.org.au" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>The Jodie Lee Foundation</strong></span></a>. </em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/health/body/2016/06/bowel-cancer-screening-kit-saved-my-life/">The bowel cancer screening kit saved my life</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/health/body/2016/05/nick-lee-on-why-he-started-the-jodi-lee-foundation/">What I did after my wife passed away from bowel cancer</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/news/news/2015/07/bowel-cancer-test-kits-thrown-away/">Majority of bowel cancer screening kits thrown away</a></strong></em></span></p>

Body

The bowel cancer screening kit saved my life

<p><em><strong>Lucy Shipp, 65, shares her bowel cancer journey to encourage everyone to take the bowel cancer screening kit.</strong></em> </p> <p>Three years ago when I was 62 years of age, the company I work for, Caterpillar of Australia, sponsored a bowel screening program (led by Nick Lee, of the Jodi Lee Foundation). We listened to a presentation and were provided with bowel cancer screening kits.</p> <p>I was shocked to find that my test came back positive. Within one week I was having a colonoscopy. Two large tumors where found and a number of polyps; the polyps were removed immediately during the initial colonoscopy.</p> <p>Tests on the two large tumors showed that I had early stage bowel cancer. <br /> <br /> The first tumor was successfully removed via a colonoscopy; unfortunately, the other one had to be surgically removed along with a 15 inch section of large colon. I was very fortunate not to lose a much longer section of colon because one tumor was on my left and the other on my right side. From the first diagnosis in August, these procedures were completed by October.</p> <p>I had taken the government supplied bowel cancer screening test when I was 50 and again at 55 years of age, neither resulted positive. There was no history of bowel cancer in my family, no one I knew had ever had it, and I never had any symptoms whatsoever, so had never given bowel cancer a second thought.</p> <p>My colorectal surgeon could not stress enough, that if I had waited for my next government supplied screening test at age 65, it would have been too late for me.</p> <p><img width="273" height="409" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/21480/lucy-shipp4-copy_273x409.jpg" alt="Lucy Shipp 4 - Copy" style="float: left;"/>If you are like me, I ask you to take the test. I know there are people who think it’s too hard, or that it’s going to be uncomfortable and embarrassing, so they keep putting it off, even if they have the kit in front of them. I would ask if a little discomfort is worth a life! </p> <p>Please get tested. It’s important and it’s easy to take the test. Taking the test could be the difference between life and death. I want you to know that even when you’re diagnosed with bowel cancer, so much can be done, with great success. I have succeeded in convincing friends and family, just how easy it is to take the test (read the pamphlet in the screening kit, fill in your details, and then leave the kit in the bathroom until you are ready). They have all since done the screening test and some have had to have the colonoscopy – all have had very good results.</p> <p>It’s been three years since I was diagnosed with bowel cancer. I feel incredibly lucky and grateful to my family, friends, Caterpillar and the Jodi Lee Foundation who have been a truly wonderful support. I cannot give enough praise to the doctors and staff at the Austin and Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre for the excellent treatment I received during this whole affair.</p> <p>I look at my children and grandchildren and am constantly reminded of how very lucky I am, because without the initial bowel cancer screening test, I would not have suspected anything was wrong.</p> <p><em>For more information about bowel cancer, please visit the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.jodileefoundation.org.au/" target="_blank">Jodi Lee Foundation website here.</a></strong></span></em></p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/health/body/2016/05/nick-lee-on-why-he-started-the-jodi-lee-foundation/"><strong>What I did after my wife passed away from bowel cancer</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/health/body/2016/05/four-pillars-of-happy-and-healthy-ageing/"><strong>The 4 pillars of happy and healthy ageing</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/health/body/2016/03/how-to-spot-a-melanoma-from-a-mole/">How to spot a melanoma from a mole</a></strong></em></span></p>

Body

The low carb diet for irritable bowel

<p>The "Low-FODMAPs" diet is a confusing but scientifically proven to help with irritable bowel problems.</p> <p>Low-FODMAPs is perplexing because it requires you to avoid a long list of fermentable carbohydrates that are high in oligosaccharides (e.g. simple sugars), disaccharides (e.g. lactose), monosaccharides (e.g. high-fructose fruit and vegetables), and polyols (e.g. artificial sweeteners). </p> <p>Proven to be very useful in managing irritable bowel syndrome, if you want to try this diet, it is best done in consultation with their doctor or nutritionist.</p> <p>However, there's a need to differentiate between irritable/intolerant bowels and bowel inflammation diseases.</p> <p>Indeed, Low-FODMAPs isn't a cure-all. The science behind it is specific to hypersensitivity and intolerance, which results in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), rather than Inflammatory Bowel Diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (to which Low-FODMAPs has not been proven advantageous). </p> <p>When you have an intolerant bowel, your system is not inflamed but hypersensitive to some of those fermentable carbohydrates. Low-FODMAPs works by cutting all of the most likely culprits out of your diet completely, and then slowly adding them back in (after about six weeks on the diet) to see how your bowels react to individual foods. </p> <p>This is what we call an "elimination diet"; you're trying to eliminate what doesn't upset your bowels so you can find out exactly where your problem(s) lie.</p> <p>In recent years, the trends of gluten-, dairy-, and now sugar-free diets have surged in popularity. Those who are hypersensitive to any of these likely have a "carbohydrate intolerance". </p> <p>No, this isn't just another fad that gives you an excuse to say no to bread: It's a scientific term that means you're unable to digest certain carbs because you lack the appropriate intestinal enzymes to do so. </p> <p>If you're one of these people, the result of eating carbohydrates your body doesn't like often leads to IBS. This means you need to do "number twos" more than three times per day, or you get regularly constipated and can't go at all. </p> <p>Your stool quality may also be abnormal (it may be watery like diarrhoea). IBS affects the microflora in your stomach – you may have heard the term "leaky gut" online or in health magazines – which means the control that lines the small intestines "leaks" and doesn't work properly. </p> <p>The good news is, IBS is manageable. The Low-FODMAPs diet, although proven effective in three out of four people who try it (as reported in Gastroenterology journal), is not a palatable for everyone. Many will find it easier to eliminate one type of irritable carb at a time. </p> <p>This is the reason the gluten-free industry has become so popular: While only about 1 per cent of people have celiac disease, surveys have reported around 30 per cent of people get upset stomach/bowels after eating gluten. Reducing or cutting it out allows many people to control their IBS symptoms. </p> <p>If gluten doesn't seem to be your greatest evil, do try omitting all dairy – e.g. milk, cheese, ice cream, yoghurt – from your diet for several weeks or a few months. If it has little-to-no effect (or you'd prefer to try it the other way around), omit all sugars that are processed, and those that naturally occur in high volumes, i.e. more than five grams of sugar per 100g. </p> <p>Carbohydrate intolerances are not the sole cause of IBS, though. Sufferers are also likely hypersensitive to caffeine because of its diuretic effect, and sometimes alcohol, smoking, high amounts of fat (like in fried foods). You should play the same elimination game with these to gauge your body's reactions. </p> <p>Foods that shouldn't upset the bowels, on the contrary, include all meat, low-fructose vegetables like leafy greens, capsicum, and tomatoes, potatoes and kumara, rice and quinoa, and dairy if it hasn't proved problematic in the past. </p> <p>Importantly, one of the major factors in upset bowels is stress. Medical journals such as Gut have been publishing studies finding very strong correlations between it and IBS.</p> <p>Alongside your diet, it is advisable to address your mental health, too, in any quests to manage upset bowels. </p> <p>If your bowel health is compromised beyond the realm of IBS and you've been diagnosed with an Inflammatory Bowel Disease like Crohn's or ulcerative colitis, you will need medication and possibly surgery.</p> <p>Any diet changes should be discussed with your doctor, not addressed on your own.</p> <p>Written by Lee Suckling, who has a master's degree specialising in personal-health reporting.</p> <p><em>First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/well-good/teach-me/76295007/understanding-diets-for-irritable-bowels" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Stuff.co.nz</strong></span></a></em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2015/12/poop-tells-you-about-body/">What your poop tells you about your body</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/body/2015/10/how-to-lose-weight-after-60/">How to lose weight after 60</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/body/2015/11/healthy-foods-that-make-you-hungrier/">5 healthy foods that can make you hungrier</a></strong></em></span></p>

Body

The low carb diet for irritable bowel

Body

How the bowel cancer screening kit saved my life

<p>When Joan Fitches retired at 65, she was on top of the world. She was feeling better than she had in years, and was busier than ever enjoying the new phase in her life. So when she received a bowel cancer test kit in the post, she didn’t think to take it immediately and popped it in her bathroom cupboard.</p> <p>“I don’t drink, don’t smoke and I have no family history,” she says, continuing, “I remember reading the leaflet that came with the letter, listing all the symptoms for bowel cancer, and thinking nope – I don’t have any of those!”</p> <p>But then Joan thought better of it.</p> <p>“I remember thinking, ‘I’m good with my mammograms, so I should really do this too’,” she says.</p> <p>Joan completed the test at home and sent it back without much thought or worry. So when the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program sent her a letter two weeks later with a “positive” result, Joan was shocked.</p> <p>“It so happened that I received a letter for funeral plan insurance the same day and thought they were trying to tell me something!” she recalls with a laugh.</p> <p>“But I read it properly and it made it clear that a positive reading doesn’t mean cancer and I should make an appointment to see my doctor. I must admit I was a bit anxious at getting the positive result from my screening test though.”</p> <p>Despite the diagnosis of bowel cancer, after speaking to her GP and family Joan realised it wasn’t the “death sentence” she was afraid of. Since it was caught early, treatment was minimal.</p> <p>“My GP was very clear in explaining to my husband and me that I had two polyps and I should go for a biopsy. They said that even though the polyps may not be cancerous, I should make sure. They eased my worries and I felt I was going to be alright,” she says.</p> <p>Joan had the surgery before Christmas, and weeks later she was in the clear.</p> <p>“It was a very simple surgery – so quick and I didn’t feel an ounce of pain,” she says, adding, “I remember being woken up by elves as it was Christmas Eve. I was home by Christmas day and front and centre at the Boxing Day sales!”</p> <p>It’s been eighteen months since Joan’s surgery and she’s feeling great – better than great in fact, she’s feeling extremely well, fit and confident, particularly buoyed by the knowledge she’ll be around to see her little granddaughters grow up.</p> <p><img width="247" height="318" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7207/joan-fitches2_500x644.jpg" alt="Joan Fitches2" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>Having battled bowel cancer, Joan is keen to share her personal story to spread awareness about this little-known disease.</p> <p>“There is such a lot of emphasis put on breast and prostate cancer awareness that people have not been made aware of the seriousness and magnitude of bowel cancer,” she observes.</p> <p>Bowel cancer is the second largest cause of deaths in Australia with 80 people dying every week from the disease. However, it is also one of the most treatable cancers if it is diagnosed early enough – a fact that Joan is all too aware about.</p> <p>“I had no symptoms. Nothing that would have prompted me to see the doctor. But [because of the test kit] the cancer was caught early, and I can get on with my life,” she says adamantly.</p> <p>With <strong><a href="/news/news/2015/07/bowel-cancer-test-kits-thrown-away/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">recent research showing that the majority of people still throw away their free test kits</span></a></strong>, Joan particularly wants to dispel the stigma that surrounds bowel cancer.</p> <p>“Bowel cancer is not something that people are so eager to discuss. I think people put off getting tested or even talking about it to their GP is that it's ‘not very nice’ and people are embarrassed to talk about bodily functions. The idea of having to mess about with poo is too awful to contemplate, when in fact it's a very simple test to carry out in the privacy of your own home and only takes a few seconds to do,” she says.</p> <p>In adding her voice to the growing chorus of people raising awareness, Joan hopes that people will stop throwing away or putting off completing their screening kits.</p> <p>“Just do it, it’s so important. It’s not hard – it’s not messy, it doesn’t cost you a dime, but if you don’t it may cost you your life,” she advises, “I tell all my friends who worry its messy – it’s not half as bad as changing your grandchild’s nappy and you’re happy to do that.”</p> <p>Joan’s message is clear.</p> <p>“As we get older the risk of being diagnosed with some form of cancer increases so it's more important than ever to do whatever you can to minimise your chances of dying prematurely,” she says matter-of-factly.</p> <p>“It's time people realised it's not something to be ashamed or embarrassed about. A very simple test could save your life. It saved mine.”</p> <hr /> <p><strong>What are the current bowel cancer statistics?</strong></p> <ul> <li>Bowel cancer is the second-deadliest cancer in Australia</li> <li>Around 10 Australians die of bowel cancer every day, yet 90 per cent of cases can be cured if detected early</li> <li>The lifetime risk of developing bowel cancer before the age of 75 is around one in 19 for men and one in 28 for women, which is one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world</li> <li>More than 75 per cent of people who develop bowel cancer do not have a family history of bowel cancer</li> <li>Bowel cancer screening is one of the most effective, life-saving public health measures available.</li> </ul> <p><strong>What is the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program?</strong></p> <p>The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program currently provides free bowel cancer screening kits for people aged 50, 55, 60 and 65. The program has expanded this year, and by 2020 all Australians aged 50-74 will receive a free screening kit every two years.</p> <p>The expansion will be implemented in phases over a five year period between 2015 and 2020: </p> <ul> <li>70 and 74 year olds have already commenced screening </li> <li>72 and 64 year olds added in 2016-17 </li> <li>68, 58 and 54 year olds added in 2017-18 </li> <li>66 and 62 year olds added in 2018-19 </li> <li>56 and 52 year olds added in 2019-20</li> </ul> <p>To see when you will received your free kit, <a href="http://www.cancerscreening.gov.au/internet/screening/publishing.nsf/Content/eligibility-handout" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>visit the website here</strong></span></a>. </p> <p>Since the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program was introduced in 2006, the detection of early stage cancer has improved, and consequently the survival rates have increased over five years, from 48 per cent to 66 per cent.</p> <p>The Cancer Council supports the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program and urge all Australians who receive free bowel cancer screening kit to complete the test and send it off for analysis. The test is simple to use, free and can be done in the privacy of your own home.</p> <p>For more information <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.cancerscreening.gov.au/internet/screening/publishing.nsf/Content/bowel-campaign-home" target="_blank">visit the Australian Government website on Bowel Cancer here. </a></strong></span></p>

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"Find a life worth enjoying": Dame Deborah's final letter to her family

Vale Dame Deborah

Deborah James sees the rose named after her

Young mum given three years to live after beautiful gesture

Dame Julie Walters reveals frightening cancer diagnosis

Australians urged to give up meat for a week

Here's what you can eat and avoid to reduce your risk of bowel cancer

6 silent symptoms of bowel cancer you might be missing

Woman rejected for bowel cancer test after discovering she was pregnant

Gogglebox Australia star reveals health battle: "My body is growing cancer"

Easy lifestyle habits that prevent bowel cancer

Everything you need to know about Irritable Bowel Syndrome

5 things you must do if IBS strikes on holidays

I survived bowel cancer

A colorectal surgeon on why over-60s need to screen for bowel cancer

The bowel cancer screening kit saved my life

The low carb diet for irritable bowel

The low carb diet for irritable bowel

How the bowel cancer screening kit saved my life

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"﻿Find a life worth enjoying﻿": Dame Deborah's final letter to her family

Vale Dame Deborah

Deborah James sees the rose named after her

Young mum given three years to live after beautiful gesture

Dame Julie Walters reveals frightening cancer diagnosis

Australians urged to give up meat for a week

Here's what you can eat and avoid to reduce your risk of bowel cancer

6 silent symptoms of bowel cancer you might be missing

Woman rejected for bowel cancer test after discovering she was pregnant

Gogglebox Australia star reveals health battle: "My body is growing cancer"

Easy lifestyle habits that prevent bowel cancer

Everything you need to know about Irritable Bowel Syndrome

5 things you must do if IBS strikes on holidays

I survived bowel cancer

A colorectal surgeon on why over-60s need to screen for bowel cancer

The bowel cancer screening kit saved my life

The low carb diet for irritable bowel

The low carb diet for irritable bowel

How the bowel cancer screening kit saved my life

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"Find a life worth enjoying": Dame Deborah's final letter to her family