Wyndham local David Hatfield says he was 12 when his mother was diagnosed with bowel cancer, and she died within nine months of a later liver cancer diagnosis. In 2025, Mr Hatfield, 48, was diagnosed with kidney cancer after an emergency visit to Stawell Hospital during a holiday in the Grampians. He says being diagnosed himself gave him a deeper understanding of his mother's experience. Ahead of Canteen's Bandanna Day on 29 October, he is asking people to listen to the stories of those affected and support the organisation's work.
A preliminary audit has found that about 20,000 endoscopy procedures in New South Wales may be overdue, with final figures still to be validated. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said on Saturday the government would invest $17 million to address the delays. The audit followed concerns raised by clinicians and patients about endoscopy wait times. Endoscopies are used to investigate, diagnose and monitor a range of conditions, including bowel cancer. Cancer Council NSW chief executive Sarah Hosking said prolonged delays have long been a concern for patients and that early detection is vital.
Swapping 10% of ultra-processed food intake for minimally processed foods is linked to a 2% drop in bowel cancer incidence, according to a study of more than 460,000 US adults. Overall ultra-processed food intake showed no clear association with bowel cancer. Wholegrains, fibre, dairy and calcium from ultra-processed sources were linked to lower rates, while ultra-processed meats were linked to higher rates. Researchers say the findings suggest ultra-processed foods should not be treated as one group.
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Most Australians are not getting enough fibre, according to figures from the charity Doctors For Nutrients. The figures show 83 per cent fall short of the recommended daily amount, while 98.5 per cent get enough protein. Chief executive Rebecca Stonor said protein is not the problem for most people and urged Australians to eat more whole plant foods such as beans, lentils, wholegrains, fruit and vegetables. Nutritionist Mandy Sacher said processed foods are often marketed as healthy because of added protein, and she recommended simple swaps such as wholemeal bread for white bread.
