Bowel Cancer Awareness Month 2025
24 Jun 2025
Tasmania Fire Service Station Officer, Nathan Foale, wasn’t feeling himself and decided to visit the doctor.
“I went to the doctor feeling a bit off, fatigued, and I had noticed some blood in my stools.
“I was referred for a colonoscopy and gastroscopy on 4 February this year, coincidentally National Cancer Day, where I found out I had a tumour which turned out to be stage 3 bowel cancer,” he said.
As an active 46-year-old father of two who loves sport and spending time with friends and family, Nathan was shocked.
“Initially, I felt confused and emotional as I was in disbelief that this could happen to me, as I was a fit and healthy 46-year-old who was enjoying life.
“My diagnosis has affected my outlook on life in a few ways. It has certainly slowed me down and made me think about life a lot more. I am trying to make the most of my good days at the moment, watching my kids enjoy their sport, connecting with family and friends as much as I can, chatting and just enjoying my time,” he said.
Nathan is currently undergoing treatment for Australia’s second deadliest cancer but one of the most treatable when detected early.
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, can affect any part of the colon or rectum in the large intestine; it may also be referred to as colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where the cancer is located.
Not everyone experiences symptoms, particularly in the early stages, however common symptoms can include:
- Blood in stool or rectal bleeding
- A recent, persistent change in bowel habit
- Abdominal pain, cramping or bloating
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Unexplained tiredness or fatigue
- A feeling that the bowel has not emptied completely after going to the toilet
If you are aged 50 to 74, you will receive a bowel cancer screening kit in the mail every two years, if your Medicare address is up to date.
If are aged 45 to 49, you can request your first bowel cancer screening kit by calling the National Bowel Screening Program on 1800 627 701.
However regardless of your age, if you have concerns around any potential symptoms, or bowel cancer in general, speak to your GP just like Nathan did.
“I would 100% encourage everyone to complete the test. It is quick and easy and yes, I would have definitely done the test if given the chance, there is too much to lose by not doing it.
“If you feel something is not quite right or have any signs and symptoms, please don’t put it off, go and see your doctor.
“Early detection is the key to getting treated and surviving this disease. If detected and treated early, long-term survival improves significantly,” Nathan said.
More information on bowel cancer and accessing test kits can be found here:
