The Bottom Line Podcast

A long-time bowel cancer advocate, Jodie’s delayed diagnosis was 'explained away' as female related issues, pregnancy and being a young Mum.  It wasn’t until she advocated for herself that she finally got the answer to her ongoing symptoms – Stage 3 bowel cancer.'Self-advocacy is my big message - if something doesn’t feel right, look right and you’re not happy with the responses you're receiving, you need to find another option.'

For avid runner, Brendan, looking after his mental health and body through running was a daily routine.But when he was struggling to complete his normal running regime and feeling tired and exhausted, he decided to see a GP.After being turned away twice and told it was nothing to be concerned about, Brendan listened to his body and sought a second opinion and was diagnosed with stage 2 bowel cancer aged 38.

Diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer and HER2 gene mutation at 35, Pei, (a GP registrar) chats with Stephanie regarding the importance of GP’s treating the patient in front of them without age bias.  Pei talks about her realistic and pragmatic approach to living her life with a terminal illness and how her love of the outdoors keeps her focused on the 'now'.'I live my life in 9-week cycles – scan to scan – but I am always trying to focus on making the most of the present.'Pei’s dual role as both patient and health professional provides a unique perspective.

TV writer and director, Darren Ashton, discusses with Stephanie how his stage 3 bowel cancer diagnosis informed the tone of the hit ABC show, 'Austin'.'When you're knocking on deaths door, you think about the important things. I wanted to put something joyous into the world and this is why “Austin” became a positive show.'In this frank chat Darren talks about the importance of a good support network and the benefit of shared experience and how connecting with others going through a similar experience can help you navigate the big C.

Palliative Care doctor and author of, 'With the End in Mind', Kathryn Mannix demystifies the often uncomfortable topic of death and dying.Chatting with Stephanie, Kathryn reminds us that we often fear death because of the unknown; that death is not what is portrayed in Hollywood movies and that we have forgotten about the process of 'ordinary dying'.Drawing on her decades of experience, Kathryn provides practical tips as well as some tools to be able to navigate the process of death and dying.

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 cancer red flag signs and symptoms in younger patients and assist with the diagnosis and referral pathway.Dr Sarah Chu talks about the importance of GP’s having a good relationship and listening to their patients and knowing them when they are well.“As GP’s we care about people.  We want to make a difference. We want a patient’s health span to match their life span with the best quality of life.”

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 never too young for bowel cancer. This engaging chat highlights the importance of the authentic patient voice and demonstrates how through collaboration and professional respect the campaign was able to be elevated at every level.

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 about raising awareness, Jake talks about the joy of 'finding your tribe' and how engaging with other bowel cancer patients has been a wonderful upside to his cancer diagnosis.

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 - "to try to be miserable for as little time as possible!"

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 every day with your loved ones.This episode is a must listen for both children and parents.

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 with sustainable lifestyle changes.

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 the Label', to raise much needed funds for Bowel Cancer Australia and early-onset bowel cancer.This episode confronts the heart ache and pain of losing someone so young, but the beauty of letting her memory live on in her son.

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 to ensure I don’t burden my husband and family, giving us the space to take time out to enjoy each other’s company.'

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 snow business was firing in Canada, and he was enjoying the best of both worlds between the snow in Canada and life near the ocean.However his world came crashing down after a stage 4 bowel cancer diagnosis in the heart of the COVID pandemic in 2020. Kieren has now written a book about his diagnosis and talks to Stephanie about how he had wished he had simply done the screening test when it arrived.“I walked past it constantly and made up every excuse I could think of as to why I didn’t need to do the test. My life could have been so very different had I just done the test!”He also discusses the importance of being a forceful advocate for your own health and ensuring you surround yourself with like-minded people who are (or have experienced) the same as you. “Getting the right support is everything,” Kieren adds.

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 the disease in June 2022, leaving her without any immediate family.An only child, Lauren’s warmth and kindness shine through as she talks about grieving well before her parents had passed and the coping mechanisms she has developed to ensure she looks after herself. 'Kindness is key. It is so very important to tread gently and be kind to yourself.'

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 25-44.An emotional conversation as they talk about the power of the collective voice, the deep connection with their fellow bowel cancer advocates and the sense of optimism they feel towards a better future for those impacted by early-onset bowel cancer.

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 faced around her fertility, both physically and mentally; and the out-of-body experience she felt holding her baby daughter in her arms for the first time. Hollie also discusses the importance of being an advocate for your own health, respectfully questioning your medical team as you are never too young for bowel cancer.