Researchers to use family link to prevent bowel cancer
On the eve of Cancer Council Queensland’s 50th anniversary, researchers are looking for participants to trial a new program for relatives of people diagnosed with colorectal (bowel) cancer, to help them reduce their risk of developing colorectal cancer.
The program, CanPrevent, is now open for participation from first degree relatives of colorectal cancer survivors from across all regions of Queensland.
Dr Anna Hawkes, Senior Research Fellow at Cancer Council Queensland’s Viertel Centre for Research in Cancer Control, said first degree relatives include siblings, children or parents of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
“Evidence shows that first degree relatives of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer face an increased risk of developing this disease themselves,” Dr Hawkes said.
“CanPrevent is designed to help people at risk of developing colorectal cancer to reduce their risk of getting the disease.
“This program is specifically designed to support relatives of colorectal cancer survivors to make healthy lifestyle choices as we know that by making healthy lifestyle choices, such as enjoying physical activity and a healthy diet, the risk of developing colorectal cancer, other cancers and other chronic diseases (such as heart disease and diabetes) is significantly decreased.”
Participation in CanPrevent will involve a series of telephone sessions with a qualified Cancer Council Queensland health coach over a period of a few months.
The telephone sessions will be individualised to suit participants’ needs and will be scheduled at a time to suit the participant.
“The telephone sessions with a personal health coach will be a great opportunity for all participants to make the lifestyle changes they would like to make, and will help people who have been struggling to make these changes on their own,” she said.
To participate, or for more information, please contact Tania Patrao at Cancer Council Queensland as soon as possible, by calling 3634 5312 or by emailing TaniaPatrao@cancerqld.org.au.
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