Bowel Cancer Research
Help back the next breakthrough
Bowel Cancer at a Glance
Bowel cancer (also referred to as colorectal, colon, or rectal cancer) is a major health concern worldwide.
Bowel cancer was the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australians of all ages in 2025, with incidence rates estimated to be higher for people aged 45 and over than for younger people*.
Thanks to advances in research, treatments are becoming more targeted and effective.
Continued research is critical to improving outcomes. Cure Cancer supports the work of emerging researchers investigating new ways to detect, understand and treat all cancer types, including bowel cancer.
*Source: AIHW
Our Bowel Cancer Research
"My project’s a fresh incentive which brings together collaborators with immunology and cancer expertise. Without this important funding from Cure Cancer, my work wouldn’t be possible."
- Dr Lisa Mielke, a Cure Cancer grant recipient
Meet some of our Bowel Cancer Researchers
Dr Lisa Mielke
Dr Mielke is studying immune cells called gamma-delta T cells, which play a crucial role in the body’s defense against cancer. Her research could lead to more effective immunotherapies with fewer side effects.
Dr Peter Georgeson
Dr Georgeson is working to enhance how we predict and prevent bowel cancer by creating a personalised screening tool that uses genetic data to identify those at higher risk - helping ensure earlier, more effective detection.
Dr Lochlan Fennell
Dr Fennell is exploring how to restore ageing bowel cells to a healthier state. By repairing cell damage, his research could help lower the risk of gene mutations and strengthen the body’s natural defences against cancer.
Dr Kevin Fenix
Dr Fenix is investigating cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cell immunotherapy for metastatic bowel cancer, mapping its cellular components to strengthen its effectiveness and pave the way for an Australia-first clinical trial.
Our Bowel Cancer Stories
Living with bowel cancer
When Natalie was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer at just 39 years old, it was a shock to her and everyone around her. Now an advocate for early detection, Natalie is urging others to be proactive about their bowel health.
What you need to know about bowel cancer
Cure Cancer's comprehensive guide to bowel cancer: Symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment options, and the lifestyle changes that can make a difference.
Why early detection saves lives
A few months after giving birth to her daughter, 32-year-old Dr Natalie Diepenhorst received a diagnosis that changed everything…
Jacky’s bowel cancer story: ‘The fit and healthy one in the family’
Why Research Funding Matters
Many of Australia's leading cancer researchers received funding from Cure Cancer at the earliest stages of their careers. Some have gone on to make discoveries recognised around the world.
Emerging researchers drive the breakthroughs that shape how cancer is understood and treated - but early-career funding is scarce and highly competitive. Every donation helps Cure Cancer back the next generation of researchers in Australia, across all cancer types.
How Your Donation Helps
$75
Can help fund an hour of research
$125
Can help fund microscopy imaging to look for immune cells in tumours
$550
Can help fund lab supplies for up to ten vital experiments
$1,000
Can help provide cutting-edge software to analyse cells
Learn More About Bowel Cancer
What’s the difference between colorectal, colon, rectal, and bowel cancer?
These terms are often used interchangeably. In Australia:
Bowel cancer is the common term and includes cancer of the colon or rectum.
Colorectal cancer is the medical term for cancers that begin in the colon (colon cancer) or rectum (rectal cancer).
They’re all part of the large intestine and treated similarly.
What are symptoms of bowel cancer?
Bowel cancer symptoms can be subtle and easy to miss. Key signs to look out for include:
- A persistent change in bowel habits (like diarrhoea or constipation)
- Blood in the stool or on toilet paper
- Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- A feeling of incomplete bowel emptying
If you notice any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, it’s important to speak with your GP.
How is bowel cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually starts with your GP and may include:
- FIT test (faecal immunochemical test) – a simple home stool test for hidden blood
- Colonoscopy – a camera examines the bowel and may take biopsies
- Scans (like CT or MRI) – help check if the cancer has spread
What treatments are available for bowel cancer?
- Surgery – often the first step to remove cancer
- Chemotherapy or radiation therapy – before or after surgery
- Targeted therapy and immunotherapy – newer options with fewer side effects
What are the stages of bowel cancer?
Bowel cancer is grouped into five stages:
- Stage 0: Abnormal cells are in the inner lining only
- Stage 1–2: Cancer has grown through the bowel wall
- Stage 3: Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes
- Stage 4: Cancer has spread to other organs, like the liver or lungs
Let's stay in touch
To receive updates on our work, campaigns and our impact in cancer research, subscribe to our newsletter.
