Bowel Cancer Is Hitting Younger Aussies — What South Burnett Needs to Know

By, South Burnett Advocate

Published: 1 July 2025

Summary

For many, bowel cancer seems like an “older person’s disease.” But a disturbing shift is underway across Australia and around the world: people under 50 are being diagnosed with bowel cancer at an increasing rate — and they’re often diagnosed late, when the disease is harder to treat.

The statistics are sobering. People born in 1990 now have three times the risk of developing bowel cancer compared to those born in 1950. This refers to their risk of developing bowel cancer at any point in their lives. This trend is affecting communities nationwide — from major cities to regional areas like the South Burnett — with no clear explanation yet for why younger generations face this increased threat. Research continues to explore possible links to lifestyle, diet, or environmental factors.

Why It’s More Dangerous in Younger People

Bowel cancer in younger adults tends to be more aggressive than in older patients. While Australians over 50 have access to regular government screening programs, younger people often go undiagnosed until symptoms worsen significantly.

The relapse statistics paint an even more concerning picture. While about one-third of all bowel cancer patients who have surgery later see their cancer return, the relapse rate is closer to 50 per cent for people under 50. This means younger patients face not only a higher risk of developing the disease but also a greater chance of it returning after treatment.

“That means that some people are going through intense monitoring and therapy that they might not need, while others who opt out may end up facing a relapse that could have been prevented,” explains leading researcher Professor Michael Samuel. “It’s not good enough. We need tools to predict, prevent, and personalise treatment.”

Hope on the Horizon: Breakthrough Research Underway

Researchers are working to change the game for bowel cancer patients of all ages. Professor Michael Samuel from the Centre for Cancer Biology — jointly based at the University of South Australia and the Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research — is leading a major three-year research project that could revolutionize how we understand and treat bowel cancer.

Backed by a $573,833 grant from Bowel Cancer Australia through Cancer Australia, Professor Samuel’s team is investigating 10 key biomarkers — tiny chemical signals produced by tumours that may reveal crucial information about a person’s cancer risk and chances of relapse.

This groundbreaking research aims to:

• Identify people at higher risk of early-onset bowel cancer
• Predict which patients are likely to experience a relapse after treatment
• Help guide more accurate and personalised treatment plans
• Reduce unnecessary treatments and their side effects

The implications for South Burnett residents could be significant. As this research progresses, it may lead to personalized treatment approaches that could prevent unnecessary therapies while ensuring high-risk patients receive the intensive care they need.

Free Screening Now Available from Age 45

While researchers work toward future breakthroughs, current screening programs remain our best defense against bowel cancer.

• Ages 50 to 74: The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) automatically sends you a free at-home test kit every two years — no need to request it.
• Ages 45 to 49: Eligible Australians can now request their first free screening kit using a quick online form.

Each kit includes a non-invasive Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT), completed at home and returned by post using a prepaid envelope. If blood is detected, your doctor will arrange further testing. Early detection drastically improves the chances of successful treatment.

Didn’t receive your kit? If your kit was lost, damaged, or expired, you can request a replacement.

🧾 Request a kit or learn more: ncsr.gov.au/boweltest

📞 Contact Centre: 1800 627 701

💬 “It’s Time We Talked About This”

“The risk of being diagnosed before age 40 has more than doubled since 2000, and 1-in-9 new bowel cancer cases now occur in people under age 50. We need to know the ‘why’ around the substantial increase in younger people getting bowel cancer.”
— Julien Wiggins, Bowel Cancer Australia CEO

This research represents hope for answers. “Investing in innovative and collaborative research across all aspects of early-onset bowel cancer has the potential to improve survival and help build a path toward a cure,” Wiggins adds.

What South Burnett Residents Can Do

If You’re Over 50:

• Watch your mailbox for the free screening kit
• Use it promptly and return it for analysis
• Don’t ignore the screening — it could save your life

If You’re Aged 45 to 49:

• You’re now eligible to request your first free screening kit
• Use the online form to request it: ncsr.gov.au/boweltest

If You’re Under 45:

• Know the warning signs: blood in stool, persistent bowel changes, unexplained fatigue, sudden weight loss
• Talk to your GP about any symptoms, no matter how minor they seem
• Discuss your family history of bowel cancer with your doctor
• Don’t assume you’re “too young” — early-onset cases are rising

For Everyone:

• Share this information to raise community awareness
• Support cancer research and advocacy organizations
• Stay informed about research developments that could benefit our region

Call to Action:

Have you received your free bowel screening kit? If you’re aged 50 or older, using it is one of the simplest yet most important steps you can take to protect your health. The test takes minutes but could add years to your life.

If you’re between 45 and 49, you’re now eligible to request a free test kit. And if you’re younger but notice any changes in your bowel habits — don’t wait. Early detection is critical.

As this groundbreaking biomarker research progresses over the next three years, South Burnett residents may benefit from more precise, personalized approaches to bowel cancer prevention and treatment. In the meantime, awareness and early action remain our strongest weapons against this disease.