The Bottom Line Podcast

On this episode, Dr Sarah Chu and early-onset bowel cancer survivor Vanessa Mendico discuss the importance of age not being a barrier to a bowel cancer diagnosis. To address perceived age bias as outlined in recent research, Bowel Cancer Australia has launched a new resource, the Never2Young CPD series. Featuring virtual clinics, these educational modules are aimed at helping GP’s identify bowel c...

Stephanie chats with Ogilvy Group Creative Director, Nina East, Director, Eddy Bell and bowel cancer survivor, Kin Leong about the creation of Bowel Cancer Australia's latest awareness campaign, "Australia's Deadliest". They discuss the brief, the process, and the final result in developing an advertising campaign that resonates with the target audience and delivers on the key message that you are...

Jake talks to Stephanie about how his life was tipped on its head after his stage 4 diagnosis at 31 and how he had to re-frame his dreams and life plan, including starting a family. Upbeat and one to always try and find a silver lining, Jake discusses the importance of letting go of the things you can’t control and maintaining a positive approach despite the tougher moments. Passionate a...

On this episode Stephanie talks to Genetic Counsellor, Alisha, who demystifies the dynamic world of genetics and the implications for cancer patients.   Alisha discusses the importance of knowing your family health history, how to access genetic testing, and the relevant questions to ask when faced with a possible bowel cancer genetic condition.

Gabrielle talks to Stephanie about the importance of participating in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, which she credits with saving her life.  As a regional patient, Gabrielle discusses the barriers she faced in receiving support with her initial diagnosis, the importance of exercise in her daily life, and how she is learning to navigate ongoing treatment with her new mantra - "t...

When a loved one is diagnosed with cancer it is hard enough for an adult to comprehend, but for a child it’s even more difficult.  In this episode, Angus rejoins his Mum, Stephanie, this time as the interviewee. He talks through his experience dealing with her diagnosis. In this heartwarming discussion, Angus talks about the importance of positivity, routine and making the most of each and ev...

Overindulged during the festive period? Are you feeling blah? Bowel Care Nutritionist, Teresa talks to Stephanie about starting the new year with a fresh approach and getting back to a healthy lifestyle. 'I don’t mind the odd cheat day, but it’s important to get back on track.' Teresa discusses handy tips and tricks that are easy to implement, so you can recalibrate and kick off the new year...

NRL player, Chad Townsend has been a passionate supporter of Bowel Cancer Australia since his mother-in-law, Gail was diagnosed in 2012. Sadly she passed away from the disease in 2020, but Chad talks with Stephanie about Gail's tenacity and never-give-up attitude that continues to inspire him to live his best life.

A routine medical for his annual licence led to a stage 3 bowel cancer diagnosis for racing driver, Michael Sheargold. A check he credits with saving his life. Michael chats with Stephanie about the importance of understanding your body and acting on symptoms. Bowel cancer was never on Michael’s radar and his shock diagnosis has made him reassess what was important in life.  

Mehroz and Seemab chat with Stephanie about the loss of their sister Afroz, to bowel cancer at age 33. Diagnosed shortly after the birth of her son, Afroz, like many bowel cancer patients, put her symptoms down to being a new mum. Bowel cancer was not something she even considered. Remarkably close to their sister, Mehroz and Seemab wanted to honour Afroz’s memory establishing 'Set in September th...

Stage 4 bowel cancer patient and advocate, Nina and her husband, Aaron chat with Stephanie about how bowel cancer has impacted their life, from both a patient and carer perspective. Mid-October marks National Carers Week and Nina highlights the importance of recognising your support network and ensuring that carers also take time out to look after themselves. 'I outsource the more difficult areas...

Kieren has sadly passed away since the time of this recording. It is an important part of Kieren's legacy that his lived-experience continues to be shared to raise much needed awareness and support to others. Bowel Cancer Australia thanks and acknowledges Kieren's contribution in creating a powerful voice for change, and our thoughts are with his loved ones. For Kieren life was near perfect. His s...

Lauren is passionate about raising much needed awareness for bowel cancer and again is fundraising for Bowel Cancer Australia this Dry July in honour of her late father. In this emotionally raw discussion with Stephanie, Lauren shares her harrowing five years, first losing her mother after a long-term illness, to nursing her father diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer and subsequently losing him to...

Bowel cancer advocates Nina, Adam and Jacob chat with Stephanie about Bowel Cancer Australia’s inaugural 'Call on Canberra' event held in June. All deeply passionate about driving meaningful change, Nina, Adam and Jacob share their experiences, their conversations with policymakers regarding early-onset bowel cancer and expectations to optimise outcomes for the deadliest cancer for those aged 25-4...

Hollie was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer at just 24. Faced with a terminal diagnosis and the prospect of never being able to bear children, Hollie decided to approach her 'shit show' through a positive lens. 'I had to get up every day or I was afraid I may not get up the next day,' said Hollie. Over 10 years on and now the mother of a toddler, Hollie chats with Stephanie of the struggles she...

In a special Mother’s Day episode, 14-year old Angus reverses roles and steps in as guest host to interview his Mum, Stephanie. Only two when Stephanie was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer, Angus delves into how his Mum’s diagnosis impacted their family. In a frank and honest conversation, Stephanie shares her fear of facing a similar fate to her mother, who died from ovarian cancer when she wa...

Clinical Geneticist & Professor Dr Nicholas (Nick) Pachter chats with Stephanie about Lynch syndrome, prevalence in the community, ongoing surveillance as well as treatment options. Lynch syndrome is caused by a change in a gene that normally functions to protect a person from getting cancer. A mutation carriers lifetime risk for bowel or other syndrome cancers is around 70-90% and each of the...

Colorectal surgeon, Dr Penelope De Lacavalerie explains why we all need to be aware of bowel cancer symptoms, but it's particularly important for young women not to have their symptoms dismissed as 'female issues' or due to pregnancy. Passionate about human-centric care, Dr De Lacavalerie explains the importance of advocating for your own health and understanding that persistent symptoms such as b...

Bowel Care Nurse Fiona chats with Stephanie about some of the common questions she is asked across the care continuum, including nutritional advice, side effects of treatment, and support that may be required as patients adjust to a  'new normal'.  With expertise in intensive care, oncology and stomal therapy, Bowel Cancer Australia’s friendly nurses assist patients, family, friends, and...

A positive attitude helped Emily navigate her stage 3 bowel cancer diagnosis at just 37. Emily and Stephanie discuss fertility after a cancer diagnosis, navigating cancer when you are young and single, as well as how family and friends were integral in supporting her through her bowel cancer journey. An authentic and honest conversation that highlights the importance of not sweating the small stuf...

Losing a partner is challenging at any point in your life, but to be a widow with two young children in your early 30’s is particularly difficult. Abbey shines through as she discusses with Stephanie her husband, Marcus’ shock bowel cancer diagnosis aged just 34 and how they navigated the next 12 months together, making special memories with their very young children before his passing. Taking str...

For Anthony Ellison, exercise and a healthy lifestyle were front and centre in his life, so when he was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer, three days shy of his 40th birthday, he was knocked for a six. Three years later, Anthony’s positive outlook and drive to challenge the norm, see him tackling the cancer head-on. Anthony and Stephanie discuss the impact of exercise, both physically and m...

AFL great and mental health advocate, Wayne Schwass, is passionate about good physical and emotional health and urges Australians to tackle the difficult conversations.  After years of struggling with depression silently, Wayne confronted the condition head-on and has gone on to launch PukaUp.  In 2019, after a routine screening test, Wayne was diagnosed with Familial Adenomatous Polypos...

Gastroenterologist John Ding specialises in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Both conditions can cause inflammation of the colon and rectum, and if left untreated can be a pre-cursor to bowel cancer. Stephanie and John discuss diagnosing both conditions via colonoscopy and gastropathy, as well as non-invasive procedures such as an intestinal ultras...

Jessica was juggling life as a new Mum and a promotion at work when she was diagnosed with stage 2 bowel cancer aged just 33.  Now a passionate advocate for raising young-onset bowel cancer awareness, Jessica discusses with Stephanie the importance of prioritising yourself and being a champion for your own health. Jessica explains how her diagnosis hit her for a six, despite knowing that the...