The Bottom Line Podcast

Flamboyant and infectiously positive, Sooz has always tried to find a “glimmer” in every day since she was a little girl. Not even a stage 4 bowel cancer diagnosis has extinguished her bubbly personality. That doesn't mean there are not moments that are hard, but as she explains, she chooses to view everything with a positive filter.Sooz talks about how (despite being health literate) she was shocked by her diagnosis. 'I just put my stomach pains down to gastro as a result of a recent trip to France, where I consumed good rose and French cheese', and how you must advocate for your own health.Sooz also chats about the importance of community and how her tribe, 'Soozies Floozies' have helped her navigate her cancer treatment. Bold in everything she does, Sooz is a breath of fresh air and this chat is a must listen.

We know bowel cancer is the deadliest cancer for people 25-44 and Australia has the highest rates of early-onset bowel cancer in the world, but we don't know why.On this episode Associate Professor Daniel Buchanan discusses the importance of funding bowel cancer research, his Angel Study and why he is excited about bowel cancer research.“In my lifetime we can do something to prevent it. . . Cancer is a complex disease and there is much we don't know but the exciting part is we know the mechanisms for the development of bowel cancer and how to intercept it. We just need to work on who gets that interception.”

On this episode, celebrity chef and author Justine Schofield opens up about the death of her best friend Beth to bowel cancer aged just 38.Justine talks about the joy of female friendship, her shared love of food with Beth and how the loss of her lifelong friend at such a young age has impacted her and their close-knit group.“There is something so very special and effortless about a female friendship and I hit the jackpot with Beth. She was always so optimistic and right to the very end she never gave up hope.”Keeping Beth's memory alive, Justine is determined in raising awareness of bowel cancer and the red flag signs and symptoms to ensure Beth is never forgotten. A heartwarming and honest chat about friendship, food and lasting memories.

A long-time bowel cancer advocate, Jodie's delayed diagnosis was 'explained away' as female related issues, pregnancy and being a young Mum. It wasn't until she advocated for herself that she finally got the answer to her ongoing symptoms – Stage 3 bowel cancer.'Self-advocacy is my big message - if something doesn't feel right, look right and you're not happy with the responses you're receiving, you need to find another option.'

For avid runner, Brendan, looking after his mental health and body through running was a daily routine.But when he was struggling to complete his normal running regime and feeling tired and exhausted, he decided to see a GP.After being turned away twice and told it was nothing to be concerned about, Brendan listened to his body and sought a second opinion and was quickly diagnosed with stage 2 bowel cancer aged 38.

Diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer and HER2 gene mutation at 35, Pei, (a GP registrar) chats with Stephanie regarding the importance of GP's treating the patient in front of them without age bias. Pei talks about her realistic and pragmatic approach to living her life with a terminal illness and how her love of the outdoors keeps her focused on the 'now'.'I live my life in 9-week cycles – scan to scan – but I am always trying to focus on making the most of the present.'Pei's dual role as both patient and health professional provides a unique perspective.

TV writer and director, Darren Ashton, discusses with Stephanie how his stage 3 bowel cancer diagnosis informed the tone of the hit ABC show, 'Austin'.'When you're knocking on deaths door, you think about the important things. I wanted to put something joyous into the world and this is why “Austin” became a positive show.'In this frank chat Darren talks about the importance of a good support network and the benefit of shared experience and how connecting with others going through a similar experience can help you navigate the big C.

Palliative Care doctor and author of, 'With the End in Mind', Kathryn Mannix demystifies the often uncomfortable topic of death and dying.Chatting with Stephanie, Kathryn reminds us that we often fear death because of the unknown; that death is not what is portrayed in Hollywood movies and that we have forgotten about the process of 'ordinary dying'.Drawing on her decades of experience, Kathryn provides practical tips as well as some tools to be able to navigate the process of death and dying.

Dr Sarah Chu and early-onset bowel cancer survivor Vanessa Mendico chat on this episode of The Bottom Line podcast about the importance of age not being a barrier to a bowel cancer diagnosis.To address the perceived age bias as outlined in recent research, Bowel Cancer Australia has launched a new resource for GP's, the Never2Young CPD series.Featuring virtual clinics, these educational modules are aimed at helping GP's identify bowel cancer red flag signs and symptoms in younger patients and assist with the diagnosis and referral pathway.Dr Sarah Chu talks about the importance of GP's having a good relationship and listening to their patients and knowing them when they are well.“As GP's we care about people. We want to make a difference. We want a patient's health span to match their life span with the best quality of life.”

Stephanie chats with Ogilvy Group Creative Director, Nina East, Director, Eddy Bell and bowel cancer survivor, Kin Leong about the creation of Bowel Cancer Australia's latest awareness campaign, "Australia's Deadliest".They discuss the brief, the process, and the final result in developing an advertising campaign that resonates with the target audience and delivers on the key message that you are never too young for bowel cancer. This engaging chat highlights the importance of the authentic patient voice and demonstrates how through collaboration and professional respect the campaign was able to be elevated at every level.

Jake talks to Stephanie about how his life was tipped on its head after his stage 4 diagnosis at 31 and how he had to re-frame his dreams and life plan, including starting a family.Upbeat and one to always try and find a silver lining, Jake discusses the importance of letting go of the things you can't control and maintaining a positive approach despite the tougher moments.Passionate about raising awareness, Jake talks about the joy of 'finding your tribe' and how engaging with other bowel cancer patients has been a wonderful upside to his cancer diagnosis.

On this episode Stephanie talks to Genetic Counsellor, Alisha, who demystifies the dynamic world of genetics and the implications for cancer patients. Alisha discusses the importance of knowing your family health history, how to access genetic testing, and the relevant questions to ask when faced with a possible bowel cancer genetic condition.

Gabrielle talks to Stephanie about the importance of participating in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, which she credits with saving her life. As a regional patient, Gabrielle discusses the barriers she faced in receiving support with her initial diagnosis, the importance of exercise in her daily life, and how she is learning to navigate ongoing treatment with her new mantra - "to try to be miserable for as little time as possible!"

When a loved one is diagnosed with cancer it is hard enough for an adult to comprehend, but for a child it's even more difficult. In this episode, Angus rejoins his Mum, Stephanie, this time as the interviewee.He talks through his experience dealing with her diagnosis.In this heartwarming discussion, Angus talks about the importance of positivity, routine and making the most of each and every day with your loved ones.This episode is a must listen for both children and parents.

Overindulged during the festive period? Are you feeling blah? Bowel Care Nutritionist, Teresa talks to Stephanie about starting the new year with a fresh approach and getting back to a healthy lifestyle. 'I don't mind the odd cheat day, but it's important to get back on track.'Teresa discusses handy tips and tricks that are easy to implement, so you can recalibrate and kick off the new year with sustainable lifestyle changes.

NRL player, Chad Townsend has been a passionate supporter of Bowel Cancer Australia since his mother-in-law, Gail was diagnosed in 2012. Sadly she passed away from the disease in 2020, but Chad talks with Stephanie about Gail's tenacity and never-give-up attitude that continues to inspire him to live his best life.

A routine medical for his annual licence led to a stage 3 bowel cancer diagnosis for racing driver, Michael Sheargold. A check he credits with saving his life.Michael chats with Stephanie about the importance of understanding your body and acting on symptoms. Bowel cancer was never on Michael's radar and his shock diagnosis has made him reassess what was important in life.

Mehroz and Seemab chat with Stephanie about the loss of their sister Afroz, to bowel cancer at age 33. Diagnosed shortly after the birth of her son, Afroz, like many bowel cancer patients, put her symptoms down to being a new mum. Bowel cancer was not something she even considered.Remarkably close to their sister, Mehroz and Seemab wanted to honour Afroz's memory establishing 'Set in September the Label', to raise much needed funds for Bowel Cancer Australia and early-onset bowel cancer.This episode confronts the heart ache and pain of losing someone so young, but the beauty of letting her memory live on in her son.

Stage 4 bowel cancer patient and advocate, Nina and her husband, Aaron chat with Stephanie about how bowel cancer has impacted their life, from both a patient and carer perspective.Mid-October marks National Carers Week and Nina highlights the importance of recognising your support network and ensuring that carers also take time out to look after themselves.'I outsource the more difficult areas to ensure I don't burden my husband and family, giving us the space to take time out to enjoy each other's company.'

Kieren has sadly passed away since the time of this recording. It is an important part of Kieren's legacy that his lived-experience continues to be shared to raise much needed awareness and support to others.Bowel Cancer Australia thanks and acknowledges Kieren's contribution in creating a powerful voice for change, and our thoughts are with his loved ones.For Kieren life was near perfect. His snow business was firing in Canada, and he was enjoying the best of both worlds between the snow in Canada and life near the ocean.However his world came crashing down after a stage 4 bowel cancer diagnosis in the heart of the COVID pandemic in 2020. Kieren has now written a book about his diagnosis and talks to Stephanie about how he had wished he had simply done the screening test when it arrived.“I walked past it constantly and made up every excuse I could think of as to why I didn't need to do the test. My life could have been so very different had I just done the test!”He also discusses the importance of being a forceful advocate for your own health and ensuring you surround yourself with like-minded people who are (or have experienced) the same as you. “Getting the right support is everything,” Kieren adds.

Lauren is passionate about raising much needed awareness for bowel cancer and again is fundraising for Bowel Cancer Australia this Dry July in honour of her late father.In this emotionally raw discussion with Stephanie, Lauren shares her harrowing five years, first losing her mother after a long-term illness, to nursing her father diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer and subsequently losing him to the disease in June 2022, leaving her without any immediate family.An only child, Lauren's warmth and kindness shines through as she talks about grieving well before her parents had passed and the coping mechanisms she has developed to ensure she looks after herself. 'Kindness is key. It is so very important to tread gently and be kind to yourself.'

Bowel cancer advocates Nina, Adam and Jacob chat with Stephanie about Bowel Cancer Australia's inaugural 'Call on Canberra' event held in June.All deeply passionate about driving meaningful change Nina, Adam and Jacob share their experiences, their conversations with policymakers regarding early-onset bowel cancer and expectations to optimise outcomes for the deadliest cancer for those aged 25-44.An emotional conversation as they talk about the power of the collective voice, the deep connection with their fellow bowel cancer advocates and the sense of optimism they feel towards a better future for those impacted by early-onset bowel cancer.

Hollie was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer at just 24. Faced with a terminal diagnosis and the prospect of never being able to bare children, Hollie decided to approach her 'shit show' through a positive lens. 'I had to get up every day or I was afraid I may not get up the next day,' said Hollie.Over 10 years on and now the mother of a toddler, Hollie chats with Stephanie of the struggles she faced around her fertility, both physically and mentally and the out of body experience she felt holding her baby daughter in her arms for the first time. Hollie also discusses the importance of being an advocate for your own health, respectively questioning your medical team as you are never too young for bowel cancer.

In a special Mother's Day episode, 14-year old Angus reverses roles and steps in as guest host to interview his Mum, Stephanie. Only two when Stephanie was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer, Angus delves into how his Mum's diagnosis impacted their family. In a frank and honest conversation, Stephanie shares her fear of facing a similar fate to her mother, who died from ovarian cancer when she was just 20, and the very real possibility of leaving Angus motherless.Big believers in the power of positivity and the importance of surrounding yourself with a support network, this warm but powerful conversation between mother and son is a must listen.

Clinical Geneticist & Professor Dr Nicholas (Nick) Pachter chats with Stephanie about Lynch syndrome, prevalence in the community, ongoing surveillance as well as treatment options. Lynch syndrome is caused by a change in a gene that normally functions to protect a person from getting cancer. A mutation carriers lifetime risk for bowel or other syndrome cancers of around 70-90% and each of their children has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutation.'If you have Lynch syndrome don't be discharged (from your medical team) . . . as you need ongoing follow-up well into your 80's as you are still at risk of getting another bowel cancer in your lifetime', Dr Pachter explains.

Colorectal surgeon, Dr Penelope De Lacavalerie explains why we all need to be aware of bowel cancer symptoms, but it's particularly important for young women not to have their symptoms dismissed as 'female issues' or due to pregnancy.Passionate about human centric care, Dr De Lacavalerie explains the importance of advocating for your own health and understanding that persistent symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain and anaemia that can't be explained must be checked.'We tend to rationalise our symptoms as being something else other than bowel cancer, but any blood is not normal and must be investigated'.

Bowel Care Nurse Fiona, chats with Stephanie about some of the common questions she is asked across the care continuum, including nutritional advice, side effects of treatment, and support that may be required as patients adjust to a 'new normal'. With expertise in intensive care, oncology and stomal therapy, Bowel Cancer Australia's friendly nurses assist patients, family, friends, and concerned members of the community.Described as a 'lifeline' by patients and their loved ones, Bowel Cancer Australia's telenursing service provides patients with access to care and support nationwide.

A positive attitude helped Emily navigate her stage 3 bowel cancer diagnosis at just 37. Emily and Stephanie discuses fertility after a cancer diagnosis, navigating cancer when you are young and single, as well as how family and friends were integral in supporting her through her bowel cancer journey.An authentic and honest conversation that highlights the importance of not sweating the small stuff and learning to be kind to yourself and others around you.

Losing a partner is challenging at any point in your life, but to be a widow with two young children in your early 30's is particularly difficult. Abbey with shines through as she discusses with Stephanie her husband, Marcus' shock bowel cancer diagnosis aged just 34 and how they navigated the next 12 months together, making special memories with their very young children before his passing. Taking strength from Marcus' positive outlook on life, and the motto of living each day with kindness and gratitude, Abbey is learning to move forward, keeping her husband's memory alive for her children but forever reserving a small part of her heart for her soul mate.

For Anthony Ellison, exercise and a healthy lifestyle were front and centre in his life, so when he was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer, three days shy of his 40th birthday, he was knocked for a six. Three years later, Anthony's positive outlook and drive to challenge the norm, sees him tackling the cancer head on.Anthony and Stephanie discuss the impact of exercise, both physically and mentally, and how early on he decided to find what was within his control and not just control it, but dominate it - 'Exercise is my happy place!'Anthony also chats about the importance of having an allied health team and how sessions with his psychologist allow him to walk lighter and to provide him with direction without burdening his loved ones.

AFL great and mental health advocate, Wayne Schwass, is passionate about good physical and emotional health and urges Australians to tackle the difficult conversations.  After years of struggling with depression silently, Wayne confronted the condition head-on and has gone on to launch PukaUp.  In 2019, after a routine screening test, Wayne was diagnosed with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP), a bowel disease that usually affects younger Australians.  Wayne and Stephanie talk about the need to normalise bowel health, the importance of open dialogue and good communication with your medical team and how the bowel screening test potentially saved him from bowel cancer.

Gastroenterologist John Ding specialises in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Both conditions can cause inflammation of the colon and rectum, and it left untreated can be a pre-cursor to bowel cancer. Stephanie and John discuss diagnosing both conditions via colonoscopy and gastropathy, as well as non-invasive procedures such as an intestinal ultrasound and faecal investigations including the breakthrough test, faecal calprotectin. Dr Ding further explains the importance of a good to excellent bowel prep to ensure the bowel lining is clean, so it is visible by a gastroenterologist during colonoscopy. This decreases the risk of complications, such as bleeding and perforation, and increases detection of pre-cancerous polyps and cancer.

Jessica was juggling life as a new Mum and a promotion at work when she was diagnosed with stage 2 bowel cancer aged just 33.  Now a passionate advocate for raising young-onset bowel cancer awareness, Jessica discusses with Stephanie the importance of prioritising yourself and being a champion for your own health. Jessica explains how her diagnosis hit her for a six, despite knowing that the daily presence of blood in her stool was just not normal and the implications of surgery and fertility.

Victoria has recently joined the Bowel Cancer Australia team as a Bowel Care Oncology Social Worker. Her compassion shines through as she chats to Stephanie about the importance of looking after your wellbeing and all the aspects that impact your life while navigating your bowel cancer journey. Offering practical tips from how to communicate with your family to financial and work-related questions, Victoria explains how access to a social worker can provide a scaffold, to support you through your diagnosis, treatment and beyond.

Sally cats to Stephanie about the gaps in survivorship care and the launch of The Movement, Bowel Cancer Australia's new online community created by patients for patients to help improve wellness beyond diagnosis. The Movement is a moderated, safe and supportive environment for bowel cancer patients, featuring monthly presentations by healthcare professionals from across the care continuum, access to a resource library, as well as monthly 'coffee chats' for members to connect with one another. "Whether you are newly diagnosed, in active treatment, undergoing surveillance following treatment or for genetic syndrome prevention, or in remission, you will find helpful resources and a very supportive community," Sally explains. https://www.facebook.com/groups/the.movement.wellness.beyond.diagnosis

Bowel cancer survivor, former member parliament and moderator of Bowel Cancer Australia's young-onset bowel cancer webinar series, Margaret Fitzherbert chats to Stephanie about the importance of politely challenging medical professionals and seeking a second opinion. Diagnosed in her early 40's, Margaret underwent treatment for stage 3 bowel cancer whilst serving in public office. "Having experienced bowel cancer as a patient and viewed it through the prism of public policy, I've learned that there are many ways we can improve survival rates. What's lacking is the will. With bowel cancer now the deadliest cancer for people aged 25-44, this must change."

Chantel from Googlebox Australia was just 14 when her mum was first diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer and 18 when she passed away. During her important teenage years, she was looking after her Mum, trying to get through school while her friends were off enjoying life.  Watching her mum slowly succumb to the disease had long term mental health ramifications for Chantel.  Chantel tells Stephanie why she is passionate about sharing her story as a young carer, raising bowel cancer and mental health awareness and her passion for helping other young people going through a similar situation. 

Cal Wilson is one of Australia's most popular comedians and a perennial favourite on television shows and discovered she was far more resilient than she thought when participating in the exotic challenges on I'm a Celebrity Get Me out of Here! Chatting to Stephanie, Cal shares why she wanted to raise awareness for Bowel Cancer Australia as her nominated charity. “Both my Mum and my neighbour had bowel cancer and I felt helpless but wanted to do my bit to help.  I'm not a surgeon, but I can talk so I wanted to use my voice to raise awareness.”  With her own unique brand of comedy, Cal's honest but hilarious take on all things poo and talks candidly about her families 'poo shyness', sending your screening test in the mail via '$#*! posting' and how important it is to have a laugh no matter what the situation. 

COVID-19 has impacted all Australians but for bowel cancer patients navigating the healthcare system and accessing treatment, the pandemic has added complexities, some unforeseen, to an already stressful situation. Stage 4 bowel cancer patient and advocate, Nicole chats to Stephanie about the importance of being an active participant in your treatment and care, never taking no for an answer and the profound loneliness she sometimes feels as a patient in the middle of a pandemic. Nicole explains how being stranded in your room with a possible infectious disease and without the support you need as a cancer patient, is one of the more harrowing impacts of COVID-19.

Pain specialist, Dr Tim Hucker explains that cancer-related pain can occur at any time and isn't always due to the cancer itself as a number of the treatments used in cancer care can cause pain - such as pain following surgery or peripheral nerve pain after chemotherapy.  Stephanie and Dr Hucker discuss the connection between pain, anxiety and depression, and recovery outcomes as well as how living with uncontrolled cancer-related pain can affect how people choose and respond to treatments. Dr Hucker also describes advances in pain management and the importance of reporting pain 'loud and clear' to your medical team so a pain management program can be tailored to your needs.

Experiencing ongoing vomiting and stomach pain, Gemma was diagnosed during the Covid-19 pandemic with stage IV bowel cancer at the age of 35. Stephanie and Gemma talk about the emotional toll of being isolated from her family and friends throughout treatment. Gemma discusses peritoneal metastases, including hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), which involves filling the abdominal cavity with chemotherapy that has been heated (also known as 'hot chemotherapy') following surgery to remove cancerous tumours. Passionate about raising awareness and helping other young people, Gemma also discusses the need to connect with a good support network and encourages people to saviour the special milestones and enjoy the things that make you happy.

A/Prof Jeanne Tie is the lower gastrointestinal medical oncology and trials lead at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and senior research fellow in the Personalised Oncology Division at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. Stephanie and A/Prof Tie discuss personalising treatment for bowel cancer patients using prognostic and predictive biomarkers, including circulating tumour DNA. A/Prof Tie is passionate about the new frontier of cancer, the opportunities to improve patient outcomes and the importance of research and clinical trials.

Five months pregnant and managing the emergency services response to the COVID -19 pandemic, Kate Fitzgerald was shocked when she was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2020. Kate discusses with Stephanie the difficult decisions she faced, not only for her health, but the health of her unborn baby, including possible termination and miscarriage as well as the five-hour surgery which involved her baby and womb being taken out of her body so the surgeon could remove the tumour. Sharing her inspirational story, Kate says had she not been pregnant, she would probably have ignored her symptoms until it was too late, crediting her daughter, baby Ava, with saving her life.

In Part 2 of this two part episode (https://www.bowelcancerpodcast.org/episode/sean-michelle-discuss-navigating-a-metastatic-bowel-cancer-diagnosis (listen to Part 1)), Michelle discusses grief with Stephanie following the loss of her husband, Sean, to young-onset bowel cancer, aged 36 in April 2021. Michelle talks openly and honestly about the impact of losing Sean, her anticipatory grief and how Sean gave her permission to be happy and continue living.  This episode sensitively confronts an often-difficult discussion, offering practical and real advice for coping with the loss of a loved one.  Learning to be gentle on herself, Michelle's warm and compassionate chat is essential listening for anyone who is experiencing grief. + + + Grief resources referred to - Nora McInerny - https://www.ted.com/talks/nora_mcinerny_we_don_t_move_on_from_grief_we_move_forward_with_it?language=en (TED Talk) | https://www.noraborealis.com/book (Hot Young Widow's club) Megan Devine - Refuge in grief | It's Ok not to be Ok | Rules at impact (pdf at the bottom)

Over the past 16 years, Stoma Nurse Amanda Richardson has helped thousands of patients with pre and post-operative stoma support and advice, stoma care and management, and stoma reversal. Honest and engaging, Amanda's warmth and care for her patients shines through in her chat with Stephanie on temporary/permanent ileostomy and colostomy, as well as in helping patients overcome a common fear of living with a 'bag'. Amanda says it is the most rewarding job she has ever had. 

Donna Hope was juggling life as a State MP when she was diagnosed with stage III bowel cancer in 2013.  On this episode she talks with Stephanie about how she navigated her cancer diagnosis in a busy high-profile position.  Now a passionate advocate for raising awareness of Australia's second deadliest cancer she discusses the importance of knowing your symptoms and family history, speaking with your GP and being a champion for your own health. Donna talks honestly about how delaying her diagnosis put her life at risk  and how she now looks at each birthday as a privilege. In an honest and warm chat Donna discusses how her four boys helped her stay positive and how she tries not to sweat the small stuff.

Stephanie chats with colorectal surgeon, Graham Newstead AM, about bowel surgery and what makes for an optimal surgical outcome. Dr Newstead discusses removal of the primary cancer and regional lymph nodes, the different types of surgical procedures - open, keyhole and robotic - as well as recovering from an operation. Give a $#*! About your bowel - June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month - Bowel Cancer Australia's signature event to raise awareness of Australia's second deadliest cancer.

Stephanie chats with Chris about treatment options and the mental and physical impact of a metastatic bowel cancer diagnosis. Diagnosed with stage IV bowel cancer at the age of 41 Chris discusses his feelings of being diagnosed with the same disease his father passed away from, the importance of remaining positive, and how he navigated a bowel cancer diagnosis with lung metastases.  Passionate about helping other young men, Chris talks honestly about the importance of connection, education and how his dog Pickle has helped him through the difficult moments.

Gastroenterologist Dr Bernard Chin chats to Stephanie about what makes for a good bowel prep and quality colonoscopy. Dr Chin demystifies the procedure, shares tips to help patients prepare, and provides insights about what to expect before, during and after a colonoscopy. Based in Cairns, Bernard is passionate about providing patient centric care, training future gastroenterologists, and ensuring those living in regional Australia have access to timely quality health care.  + + + If you are aged 18-and-over and have had a colonoscopy, we invite you to provide feedback about your experience. My Colonoscopy Experience is a simple online questionnaire that can be completed anonymously, which allows you to report what the colonoscopy experience was like for you, as a patient. It only takes a small amount of time to complete, but it can have a big impact. Help us ensure the patient voice is heard, so that future colonoscopy care reflects what patients want and need. Click the link to share your experience: https://bit.ly/3sMxAeL (https://bit.ly/3sMxAeL)

In Part 1 of this two part episode, Sean and Michelle chat to Stephanie from a patient and carer perspective about navigating a metastatic bowel cancer diagnosis. Diagnosed at age 35, Sean talks about cancer being a team game and remaining in the 'now' while Michelle explains the sense of helplessness experienced as a carer. Sean and Michelle are passionate about raising awareness of Australia's second deadliest cancer and talk about the importance of understanding symptoms, being an advocate for your own health and talking and to your GP if you have any concerns. 

Popular radio host and former golfer, Mark Allen was just 50 and feeling as fit as he had ever been when he was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in 2018. Mark had 70% of his rectum removed, 18% of his lungs and extensive chemotherapy, but despite this, a couple of further bumps in the road Mark's optimism shines through and he considers himself incredibly lucky. Back on the golf course, he was given all clear in May 2020. Mark chats about the importance of remaining positive and encourages Australians not to be complacent and to DO the screening test and not leave it in your top draw.