Be Well Week - Fight Bowel Cancer, 21-27 September 2015

Pharmacists are also being urged to raise awareness of Bowel Cancer that affect thousands of Australians as part of a new health campaigns this month.

Bowel Cancer Australia have launched their ‘Be Well Week’ campaign which aims to raise awareness of bowel cancer in women during the week of 21-27 September.

Bowel Cancer Australia's National Community Engagement Manager, Claire Annear, says bowel cancer is often considered an ‘old man’s disease’, however it affects men and women almost equally.

“It is projected that more than 20,000 women will die from bowel cancer over the next ten years, and 1 in 15 Aussie women will develop the cancer in their lifetime,” she says.

Bowel Cancer Australia is encouraging women to make a promise to be bowel cancer aware and make their health and wellbeing a priority. “Pharmacists play an important role in making bowel screening more accessible, and ‘Be Well Week’ is a great time to promote screening and raise awareness of bowel cancer in the community,” Ms Annear said. In addition, completing the education modules below may assist in advising patients on their bowel health management.

Pharmacists can also order a free ‘Be Well Week’ Supporter Pack, which contains two A3 promo posters and ten promo flyers, via the ‘Be Well Week’ website.

Bowel Cancer Australia is also encouraging women to support the charity by hosting a Be Well Breakfast or Be Well Brunch fundraiser with family and friends.

More information can be found on the ‘Be Well Week’ web site.

Source: www.guild.org.au/news-events/forefront/forefront-article/2015/09/15/stakeholder-awareness-events-highlights-stroke-and-bowel-cancer?_cldee=bWFyaWFAdW5pdHloZWFsdGguY29tLmF1&urlid=18, viewed Wednesday 16 September 2015