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Rural realities of bowel cancer

What’s in this article

5 minute read

Bowel cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in Australia, and rural communities are disproportionately affected. With limited access to healthcare, lower screening rates, and dietary challenges, rural Australians face higher risks and later diagnoses. But there’s hope as 90% of cases can be successfully treated if found early. Jade Newnham shares how small changes in diet and regular screening can make a life-saving difference.

Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is the second leading cause of cancer-related death, and is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Australia.

Bowel cancer rates are higher in rural and remote areas compared to urban areas.  Rural Australians face greater risks due to their limited access to healthcare services, having reduced screening participation and not being exposed to public health dietary campaigns for prevention as much as people in urban areas. With 90% of cases being able to be treated successfully if found early. There is a higher rate of late-stage diagnosis which can lead to worse outcomes and survival rates for people in remote and rural areas.

Limited healthcare access and late diagnosis

Rural communities face systemic barriers to early detection, which contribute to the later diagnosis and reduced survival rates:

  • Fewer local health services and limited access
  • Greater travel distances for colonoscopies and GPs
  • Lower screening participation and
  • Delayed symptom recognition due to health literacy gaps and reduced access to public health campaigns

No single factor can prevent bowel cancer.
A high-fibre, low-processed food diet combined with physical activity,
limited alcohol, and no smoking offers the strongest protection.
Screening is vitally important in early detection.

 How can diet can lower your risk of bowel cancer

A balanced diet can significantly lower the risk of developing bowel cancer by about 20%-30%. Rural Australians tend to eat a diet that does not reduce the risk of bowel cancer. This could be due to:

  • Accessibility to fresh produce is less available and more expensive in remote areas. Accessibility to dieticians and nutritionists are also much more limited.
  • Information gaps of health promotion campaigns is often less targeted to rural populations
  • Cultural norms of red meat being associated with rural identity, farming culture, and tradition.

To reduce your risk of bowel cancer through consuming a healthy diet, it is recommended to follow these guidelines:

  • Limit red meat and processed meats; have less than 500g of red meat and avoid processed meats.
  • Limit your alcohol intake; have less than 2 drinks per day as a maximum. Less is better.
  • Get enough fibre; eat a fibre rich diet by filling each plate of food with at least ⅔ or more of a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, beans, legumes (eg lentils), nuts and wholegrains (eg. brown rice, wholegrain bread).
  • Include dairy; eg milk, yogurt, cheese (low fat options are best) or speak to your GP about calcium supplements.
  • Drink plenty of water.

For further lifestyle recommendations visit: https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-03/fact_sheet-bowel_cancer-modifiable-risks.a4-accessible.pdf

Changing your habits: Practical advice for rural Australians

Making some small diet changes is the best way to consume and sustain a healthy diet. Here are some small steps you can consider making.

  • Replace some red meat meals with legume or fish-based alternatives
  • Use frozen or canned vegetables if fresh produce is expensive or unavailable
  • Choose wholegrain over refined grains
  • Reduce alcohol intake using non sugary alcohol-free alternatives

While a healthy diet significantly reduces risk, no single factor can prevent bowel cancer entirely. A high-fibre, low-processed food diet combined with physical activity, limited alcohol, and not smoking offers the strongest protection. Screening too is vitally important in early detection.

Recommended bowel cancer screening in Australia

Talking to your GP and participation in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program is key to early detection. It is a very important screening test as most early bowel cancers cause no symptoms and early detection improves outcomes. People with a family history of bowel cancer and/or chronic gastrointestinal conditions should talk to their doctor.

Australians who are NOT experiencing any symptoms of bowel cancer, aged between 45 to 74, who hold a medicare card (and other criteria) are eligible to receive the bowel cancer screening program; a free at-home FOBT kit via mail. The test is simply completed at home and returned by post. This test is only for people who are not experiencing any symptoms of bowel cancer. If you are experiencing any symptoms of bowel cancer, talk to your doctor right away.

For further information please visit the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/national-bowel-cancer-screening-program)

Symptoms of bowel cancer

Bowel cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms in early stages, which is why regular screening is essential. When symptoms occur, they may include:

  • Blood in the stool (bright red or very dark)
  • Persistent changes in bowel habits (e.g. diarrhoea, constipation, narrow stools)
  • Abdominal pain, bloating, or cramping
  • A feeling of incomplete bowel emptying
  • Unexplained fatigue or weakness
  • Sudden weight loss

You should consult your GP straight away if you experience any of these symptoms.

What You Can Do Today

Early detection through regular screening and talking to your doctor can mean better outcomes. Eating a diet that prevents bowel cancer reduces your risk by about 20-30%. If found early, 90% of bowel cancers can be successfully treated.

“Don’t delay, do your bowel cancer test today!”

 

Jade Newnham

Jade Newnham holds a Bachelor or Public Health and is an accredited health and wellness coach (with HCANZA) specialising in mental fitness. Jade is also a registered mindfulness, meditation and breath work teacher (with Meditation Association of Australia). Her work and educational background includes Public Health at state level and she is currently undergoing accreditation in Lifestyle Medicine.

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