Bowel cancer screening - it's that time again!
Time really seems to fly when you reach your 50s. An A4-sized envelope arrived in my letterbox a couple of days ago. It featured the Australian coat of arms and the words 'Australian Government – Department of Health' on it.
Could it already be two years since my last bowel cancer screening test? Apparently!
The envelope and its contents have now made their way to the smallest room in the house. Last time around the envelope sat there for weeks before I opened it up and 'did the business'.
Let's face it, it's not the most pleasant task in the world to have to complete, but I'm betting it's a whole lot less unpleasant than bowel cancer would be.
Way back in the early '90s, my cricket captain from a decade earlier, Ralph, was diagnosed with bowel cancer. He was dead within months. Now when we have our 1980s premiership reunions, his absence is conspicuous. Had Ralph's cancer been detected earlier, he would probably be still with us.
Next time I go to the bathroom and see that envelope I'll remember Ralph, and I will do what needs to be done. Sure it's sh*tty thing to have to do — literally — but it takes only a couple of minutes, and it might just ensure that I'll be present at many cricket premiership reunions to come.
4 comments
4 comments
Four years ago I was told my Iron levels were low and to take Iron tablets. This did not improve so I did the Bowel Cancer test which came back negative, I also had a Helicobacter Pylori Test which came back negative. I was happy with the results but my Doctor urged me to take a Colonoscopy Test which came back that I had three cancerous lesions in the bowel. I saw a Colorectal Surgeon and was admitted into hospital within 2 weeks. I had Key Hole surgery where they took out 14 cm of my bowel. I was home in three days and had to see the specialist 2 weeks later to get the results. Thank God all was clear with the rest of the bowel but I have to have a Colonoscopy every year to make sure it doesn't come back.So I urge everyone at YLC to have a Colonoscopy when they suspect something is amiss. It could save your life. My sons were urged to have one done now they have reached their 50's as it could be hereditary.