Every day, 5 young Australians are told they have bowel cancer
You could help fund the next breakthrough that saves lives.
"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
Young Australians have the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world
Bowel cancer—often referred to as colorectal, colon, or rectal cancer—is a major health concern worldwide. In Australia, it’s now the second most common cause of cancer death overall, and tragically, the leading cancer killer of people aged 25 to 44.
Thanks to advances in research, treatments are becoming more targeted and effective. With support from generous donors, Cure Cancer has backed emerging researchers working on breakthroughs in bowel cancer—including new diagnostic tools, personalised therapies, and pioneering immunotherapy approaches.
Dr Lisa Mielke
Dr Lisa 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 Peter 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.
A/Prof Susan Woods
Associate Professor Susan Woods is leading research to develop improved screening methods and exploring innovative treatments—like using probiotic bacteria—to help detect and treat bowel cancer more effectively.
Dr Lochlan Fennell
Dr Lochlan 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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
Living with bowel cancer: Natalie's story
What you need to know about bowel cancer
How your donation helps
$75
Can fund an hour of research
$125
Can help fund microscopy imaging to look for immune cells in tumours
$550
Can fund provide lab supplies for up to ten vital experiments
$1,000
Can help provide cutting-edge software to analyse cells
Our bowel cancer researchers
Together, we can cure cancer.
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