Frankly Frankston speaks to Bowel Cancer Australia Ambassador Donna Bauer for Bowel Cancer Awareness Month this June.

Former Carrum state Liberal MP Donna Bauer was 43 when she was diagnosed with bowel cancer.  There was a history of the disease in her family, but the mother of four thought it most commonly affected older people so she didn’t think it was worth getting her symptoms checked.

“I had been experiencing some discomfort since walking the Kokoda Track nine months earlier, but I was busy with parliamentary commitments and looking after my family and just couldn't seem to find the time to have the required medical tests to determine the cause,” Donna said.  “If I had not found the time when I did, the prognosis could have been very different.”

After undergoing surgery to remove the aggressive and localised cancer, Donna followed it up with six months of chemotherapy and is very lucky to be looking at a bright future.  Donna is currently working as a Sales Executive for hockingstuart in Chelsea, where she will be selling lapel pins to support Bowel Cancer Australia for $2 over the month of June.

After her recovery, she took the passion and campaigning skills she had developed in politics and directed them towards Bowel Cancer Australia as its Ambassador, using her high profile in the community to raise awareness of the disease and money for the organisation.

“I am passionate about raising awareness. If I can help to save one life by spreading the messages about looking after your health and the importance of early detection, then that's a good thing.

“Bowels may not be the most appealing topic of conversation, but it is a conversation we need to have. Make a vow to talk bowel.”

Bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer after lung cancer, claiming the lives of 80 Australians every week and affecting men and women equally. There are an alarming number of young people who are being diagnosed also, shaking the perception that it is an older person’s disease.

Donna informed Frankly Frankston of a local 22-year-old, Callum Dodson, who was only recently diagnosed with a rare form of Bowel Cancer. To raise money to support him and his family, the Chelsea Heights Football Club are holding a community fundraiser at their club. ‘Kick it with Callum’ is a family day out on Sunday June 25, with silent auctions, live music, kid’s activities, food, drinks and much more from 12.30pm.

Join us in bringing this topic into conversation today.