ALARMING statistics show Mount Isa has the highest mortality rate when it comes to bowel cancer.
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Statistics for the local government area of Mount Isa showed a death rate of 20.7 people per 100,000.
The new figures were released Bowel Cancer Australia to coincide with the latest awareness and screening campaign – Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late – which urges people in Queensland to be proactive about their health.
The Bowel Cancer Atlas of Australia provides communities throughout the state with a snapshot of their health.
The Atlas has been updated to include data on bowel cancer deaths, risk factors such as smoking, high alcohol consumption, type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Bowel Cancer Australia chief executive Julien Wiggins said: ‘‘The data provides an opportunity for communities to focus attention on health behaviours that could be improved.
“Around 70 per cent of bowel cancer cases are linked to modifiable diet and lifestyle factors,” he said
“We’re hoping that people will have a look at how their community is faring and start to think hard about making necessary changes.”
Colorectal surgeon Associate Professor Graham Newstead, of Bowel Cancer Australia, said while many communities were obviously working towards healthier lifestyles, all could reduce their risk of bowel cancer deaths with regular screening.
“I would urge people from age 50 to do a test and repeat it every one to two years,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s easy and can be done in the privacy of your own home. So don’t wait until it’s too late, do a test today.”
According to the latest release of the Bowel Cancer Atlas of Australia data from 2011-2012, Barcoo (62.5 per cent ) had the highest rate of participation in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme while Torres (9.3 per cent) had the lowest rate.
“Bowel cancer often develops without any warning signs. Regardless of family history, from age 50, all Australians are at an increased risk. People need to be bowel aware,” Mr Wiggins said.
Bowel cancer screening tests are available to purchase from participating community pharmacies, online at preventbowelcancer.org or by calling 1800555494.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late (#preventbowelcancer) is a Bowel Cancer Australia initiative during January – March 2015.