To coincide with Bowel Cancer Awareness Month (June 1-30), Bowel Cancer Australia has released the Bowel Cancer Atlas of Australia, which provides communities with a snapshot of their adult health.

“The data provides an opportunity for communities to focus attention on health behaviours that could be improved," Bowel Cancer Australia chief executive Julien Wiggins said.

“Around 70 per cent of bowel cancer cases are linked to modifiable diet and lifestyle factors. We’re hoping that people will have a look at how their community is faring and start to think seriously about making any necessary changes.”

Orange was higher than the state average in obese people (31.1 per 100 compared with 26.4), total smokers (21.5 compared with 16.2), and high-risk alcohol consumption (5.2 compared with 4.8) between 2011 and 2013.

While the number of Orange people dying from bowel cancer between 2009 and 2013 was less than the state average, the average age at death was just 64.6 compared with the state average of 72.5.

The Orange local government area also had lower rates of diabetes - another risk factor in bowel cancer - than the state average. 

Although screening rates in Orange compared favourably with the state average, Bowel Cancer Australia director Graham Newstead said individuals could reduce their bowel cancer risk with regular screening.

McCarthy’s Pharmacy business manager Peita Whiley said the take-up rate on bowel cancer test kits at the pharmacy wasn’t high.

“We might sell a couple a month,” she said. “We’ve had them in the shop for a few years now, but for some reason people shy away from it [screening]. You don’t need to go to a doctor or a dietician, you can do it at home.”

Bowel cancer screening tests are available to purchase from participating community pharmacies, online at bowelcanceraustralia.org or by calling 1800 555 494.