Bowel Cancer Awareness Month

Hansard ID: HANSARD-1323879322-142920

Hansard session: Fifty-Eighth Parliament, First Session (58-1)

Bowel Cancer Awareness Month

Mr MARK COURE (Oatley)

—Speaker, I would like to recognise the impact that bowel cancer has on individuals throughout Australia, New South Wales and my community. This month is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, which recognises the impacts of this debilitating disease. In an average week, over 300 Australians are diagnosed with bowel cancer. However, thanks to charities like Bowel Cancer Australia, prevention and early diagnosis has become much more common, as funding goes into research, treatment and care. As many of you will know, one of my colleagues and good friends, Matt Cross, was recently diagnosed with bowel cancer. This has hit particularly close to home for many of us. I wish Matt a speedy recovery and wish that both him and his wife, Gessika, receive the strength they need as they tackle this challenge head on. I am looking forward to seeing you back in Parliament in due time and catching up soon. Of course, this reminds us of the importance of regular testing and check-ups. I would encourage everyone to see your GP, whilst also keeping aware of the symptoms and your family history.