'Please do the test': 55yo Rachel had a plum-sized tumour removed
Swansea's Rachel Rizk had a few unused and expired bowel cancer screening kits sitting in her cupboard.
She ordered another one and put it on her dressing table.
"I'd look at it every day and say I'll do that tomorrow," Ms Rizk said.
"My biggest message is I want everyone to please do the test. Take the stigma away."
Ms Rizk was diagnosed with bowel cancer at age 55, after seeing her doctor for erratic bowel movements.
She had surgery in March.
"I had to cancel a holiday to India. I had a holiday at John Hunter Hospital instead," she said.
"They removed 15 centimetres of my bowel and a tumour the size of a plum. When they did the first colonoscopy, they couldn't get the camera through."
When she was diagnosed, she said to her specialist, "With all due respect, are you sure you have the right person?"
"I felt fit and fabulous. He took a second look at his screen and said 'Sorry, Rachel, it is you'."
In the Hunter New England health district, only 42 per cent of people do the bowel screening test after receiving it in the mail.
The district recorded 3804 bowel cancer cases from 2017 to 2021, and 1362 people died from the disease in that period.
With June being Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, the NSW government is urging eligible people to take the screening test.
Available to those aged 45 to 74, it's the easiest way to detect the early signs of bowel cancer.
Health Minister Ryan Park said, "Unfortunately, Australia has one of the highest incidences of bowel cancer in the world".
"It's the second biggest cancer killer in NSW," Mr Park said.
"We have this free screening test that is quick, easy and very effective in detecting the early stages of bowel cancer, but we need more people to take part."
NSW chief cancer officer Tracey O'Brien said, "Bowel cancer can be successfully treated if caught early".
"People who do the test are almost twice as likely to have their cancer detected at the earliest stage," Professor O'Brien, of Cancer Institute NSW, said
"Bowel cancer is not just an old person's disease."
Ms Rizk initially thought she had IBS symptoms.
After doing the screening test, she was diagnosed with stage two bowel cancer.
"I went into fight mode. I wanted to get straight in and get it removed.
"The hardest part was waiting to get the results to know what stage it was and what sort of treatment that would mean."
She said John Hunter Hospital was "absolutely fantastic".
Her surgeon removed 32 lymph nodes.
"They all came back clear, so that was good news," she said.
"Thankfully, I haven't had to have any chemo or radiation because they got it at stage two. But I did have a follow-up colonoscopy last week."
People can reduce their risk of bowel cancer by eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, cereals and wholegrains, having a healthy weight and being physically active.
It is recommended to do the at-home screening test every two years from the age of 45.
Swansea's Rachel Rizk had a few unused and expired bowel cancer screening kits sitting in her cupboard.
She ordered another one and put it on her dressing table.
"I'd look at it every day and say I'll do that tomorrow," Ms Rizk said.
"My biggest message is I want everyone to please do the test. Take the stigma away."
Ms Rizk was diagnosed with bowel cancer at age 55, after seeing her doctor for erratic bowel movements.
She had surgery in March.
"I had to cancel a holiday to India. I had a holiday at John Hunter Hospital instead," she said.
"They removed 15 centimetres of my bowel and a tumour the size of a plum. When they did the first colonoscopy, they couldn't get the camera through."
When she was diagnosed, she said to her specialist, "With all due respect, are you sure you have the right person?"
"I felt fit and fabulous. He took a second look at his screen and said 'Sorry, Rachel, it is you'."
In the Hunter New England health district, only 42 per cent of people do the bowel screening test after receiving it in the mail.
The district recorded 3804 bowel cancer cases from 2017 to 2021, and 1362 people died from the disease in that period.
With June being Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, the NSW government is urging eligible people to take the screening test.
Available to those aged 45 to 74, it's the easiest way to detect the early signs of bowel cancer.
Health Minister Ryan Park said, "Unfortunately, Australia has one of the highest incidences of bowel cancer in the world".
"It's the second biggest cancer killer in NSW," Mr Park said.
"We have this free screening test that is quick, easy and very effective in detecting the early stages of bowel cancer, but we need more people to take part."
NSW chief cancer officer Tracey O'Brien said, "Bowel cancer can be successfully treated if caught early".
"People who do the test are almost twice as likely to have their cancer detected at the earliest stage," Professor O'Brien, of Cancer Institute NSW, said
"Bowel cancer is not just an old person's disease."
Ms Rizk initially thought she had IBS symptoms.
After doing the screening test, she was diagnosed with stage two bowel cancer.
"I went into fight mode. I wanted to get straight in and get it removed.
"The hardest part was waiting to get the results to know what stage it was and what sort of treatment that would mean."
She said John Hunter Hospital was "absolutely fantastic".
Her surgeon removed 32 lymph nodes.
"They all came back clear, so that was good news," she said.
"Thankfully, I haven't had to have any chemo or radiation because they got it at stage two. But I did have a follow-up colonoscopy last week."
People can reduce their risk of bowel cancer by eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, cereals and wholegrains, having a healthy weight and being physically active.
It is recommended to do the at-home screening test every two years from the age of 45.
Swansea's Rachel Rizk had a few unused and expired bowel cancer screening kits sitting in her cupboard.
She ordered another one and put it on her dressing table.
"I'd look at it every day and say I'll do that tomorrow," Ms Rizk said.
"My biggest message is I want everyone to please do the test. Take the stigma away."
Ms Rizk was diagnosed with bowel cancer at age 55, after seeing her doctor for erratic bowel movements.
She had surgery in March.
"I had to cancel a holiday to India. I had a holiday at John Hunter Hospital instead," she said.
"They removed 15 centimetres of my bowel and a tumour the size of a plum. When they did the first colonoscopy, they couldn't get the camera through."
When she was diagnosed, she said to her specialist, "With all due respect, are you sure you have the right person?"
"I felt fit and fabulous. He took a second look at his screen and said 'Sorry, Rachel, it is you'."
In the Hunter New England health district, only 42 per cent of people do the bowel screening test after receiving it in the mail.
The district recorded 3804 bowel cancer cases from 2017 to 2021, and 1362 people died from the disease in that period.
With June being Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, the NSW government is urging eligible people to take the screening test.
Available to those aged 45 to 74, it's the easiest way to detect the early signs of bowel cancer.
Health Minister Ryan Park said, "Unfortunately, Australia has one of the highest incidences of bowel cancer in the world".
"It's the second biggest cancer killer in NSW," Mr Park said.
"We have this free screening test that is quick, easy and very effective in detecting the early stages of bowel cancer, but we need more people to take part."
NSW chief cancer officer Tracey O'Brien said, "Bowel cancer can be successfully treated if caught early".
"People who do the test are almost twice as likely to have their cancer detected at the earliest stage," Professor O'Brien, of Cancer Institute NSW, said
"Bowel cancer is not just an old person's disease."
Ms Rizk initially thought she had IBS symptoms.
After doing the screening test, she was diagnosed with stage two bowel cancer.
"I went into fight mode. I wanted to get straight in and get it removed.
"The hardest part was waiting to get the results to know what stage it was and what sort of treatment that would mean."
She said John Hunter Hospital was "absolutely fantastic".
Her surgeon removed 32 lymph nodes.
"They all came back clear, so that was good news," she said.
"Thankfully, I haven't had to have any chemo or radiation because they got it at stage two. But I did have a follow-up colonoscopy last week."
People can reduce their risk of bowel cancer by eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, cereals and wholegrains, having a healthy weight and being physically active.
It is recommended to do the at-home screening test every two years from the age of 45.
Swansea's Rachel Rizk had a few unused and expired bowel cancer screening kits sitting in her cupboard.
She ordered another one and put it on her dressing table.
"I'd look at it every day and say I'll do that tomorrow," Ms Rizk said.
"My biggest message is I want everyone to please do the test. Take the stigma away."
Ms Rizk was diagnosed with bowel cancer at age 55, after seeing her doctor for erratic bowel movements.
She had surgery in March.
"I had to cancel a holiday to India. I had a holiday at John Hunter Hospital instead," she said.
"They removed 15 centimetres of my bowel and a tumour the size of a plum. When they did the first colonoscopy, they couldn't get the camera through."
When she was diagnosed, she said to her specialist, "With all due respect, are you sure you have the right person?"
"I felt fit and fabulous. He took a second look at his screen and said 'Sorry, Rachel, it is you'."
In the Hunter New England health district, only 42 per cent of people do the bowel screening test after receiving it in the mail.
The district recorded 3804 bowel cancer cases from 2017 to 2021, and 1362 people died from the disease in that period.
With June being Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, the NSW government is urging eligible people to take the screening test.
Available to those aged 45 to 74, it's the easiest way to detect the early signs of bowel cancer.
Health Minister Ryan Park said, "Unfortunately, Australia has one of the highest incidences of bowel cancer in the world".
"It's the second biggest cancer killer in NSW," Mr Park said.
"We have this free screening test that is quick, easy and very effective in detecting the early stages of bowel cancer, but we need more people to take part."
NSW chief cancer officer Tracey O'Brien said, "Bowel cancer can be successfully treated if caught early".
"People who do the test are almost twice as likely to have their cancer detected at the earliest stage," Professor O'Brien, of Cancer Institute NSW, said
"Bowel cancer is not just an old person's disease."
Ms Rizk initially thought she had IBS symptoms.
After doing the screening test, she was diagnosed with stage two bowel cancer.
"I went into fight mode. I wanted to get straight in and get it removed.
"The hardest part was waiting to get the results to know what stage it was and what sort of treatment that would mean."
She said John Hunter Hospital was "absolutely fantastic".
Her surgeon removed 32 lymph nodes.
"They all came back clear, so that was good news," she said.
"Thankfully, I haven't had to have any chemo or radiation because they got it at stage two. But I did have a follow-up colonoscopy last week."
People can reduce their risk of bowel cancer by eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, cereals and wholegrains, having a healthy weight and being physically active.
It is recommended to do the at-home screening test every two years from the age of 45.
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The Advertiser
05-06-2025
- The Advertiser
'Please do the test': 55yo Rachel had a plum-sized tumour removed
Swansea's Rachel Rizk had a few unused and expired bowel cancer screening kits sitting in her cupboard. She ordered another one and put it on her dressing table. "I'd look at it every day and say I'll do that tomorrow," Ms Rizk said. "My biggest message is I want everyone to please do the test. Take the stigma away." Ms Rizk was diagnosed with bowel cancer at age 55, after seeing her doctor for erratic bowel movements. She had surgery in March. "I had to cancel a holiday to India. I had a holiday at John Hunter Hospital instead," she said. "They removed 15 centimetres of my bowel and a tumour the size of a plum. When they did the first colonoscopy, they couldn't get the camera through." When she was diagnosed, she said to her specialist, "With all due respect, are you sure you have the right person?" "I felt fit and fabulous. He took a second look at his screen and said 'Sorry, Rachel, it is you'." In the Hunter New England health district, only 42 per cent of people do the bowel screening test after receiving it in the mail. The district recorded 3804 bowel cancer cases from 2017 to 2021, and 1362 people died from the disease in that period. With June being Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, the NSW government is urging eligible people to take the screening test. Available to those aged 45 to 74, it's the easiest way to detect the early signs of bowel cancer. Health Minister Ryan Park said, "Unfortunately, Australia has one of the highest incidences of bowel cancer in the world". "It's the second biggest cancer killer in NSW," Mr Park said. "We have this free screening test that is quick, easy and very effective in detecting the early stages of bowel cancer, but we need more people to take part." NSW chief cancer officer Tracey O'Brien said, "Bowel cancer can be successfully treated if caught early". "People who do the test are almost twice as likely to have their cancer detected at the earliest stage," Professor O'Brien, of Cancer Institute NSW, said "Bowel cancer is not just an old person's disease." Ms Rizk initially thought she had IBS symptoms. After doing the screening test, she was diagnosed with stage two bowel cancer. "I went into fight mode. I wanted to get straight in and get it removed. "The hardest part was waiting to get the results to know what stage it was and what sort of treatment that would mean." She said John Hunter Hospital was "absolutely fantastic". Her surgeon removed 32 lymph nodes. "They all came back clear, so that was good news," she said. "Thankfully, I haven't had to have any chemo or radiation because they got it at stage two. But I did have a follow-up colonoscopy last week." People can reduce their risk of bowel cancer by eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, cereals and wholegrains, having a healthy weight and being physically active. It is recommended to do the at-home screening test every two years from the age of 45. Swansea's Rachel Rizk had a few unused and expired bowel cancer screening kits sitting in her cupboard. She ordered another one and put it on her dressing table. "I'd look at it every day and say I'll do that tomorrow," Ms Rizk said. "My biggest message is I want everyone to please do the test. Take the stigma away." Ms Rizk was diagnosed with bowel cancer at age 55, after seeing her doctor for erratic bowel movements. She had surgery in March. "I had to cancel a holiday to India. I had a holiday at John Hunter Hospital instead," she said. "They removed 15 centimetres of my bowel and a tumour the size of a plum. When they did the first colonoscopy, they couldn't get the camera through." When she was diagnosed, she said to her specialist, "With all due respect, are you sure you have the right person?" "I felt fit and fabulous. He took a second look at his screen and said 'Sorry, Rachel, it is you'." In the Hunter New England health district, only 42 per cent of people do the bowel screening test after receiving it in the mail. The district recorded 3804 bowel cancer cases from 2017 to 2021, and 1362 people died from the disease in that period. With June being Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, the NSW government is urging eligible people to take the screening test. Available to those aged 45 to 74, it's the easiest way to detect the early signs of bowel cancer. Health Minister Ryan Park said, "Unfortunately, Australia has one of the highest incidences of bowel cancer in the world". "It's the second biggest cancer killer in NSW," Mr Park said. "We have this free screening test that is quick, easy and very effective in detecting the early stages of bowel cancer, but we need more people to take part." NSW chief cancer officer Tracey O'Brien said, "Bowel cancer can be successfully treated if caught early". "People who do the test are almost twice as likely to have their cancer detected at the earliest stage," Professor O'Brien, of Cancer Institute NSW, said "Bowel cancer is not just an old person's disease." Ms Rizk initially thought she had IBS symptoms. After doing the screening test, she was diagnosed with stage two bowel cancer. "I went into fight mode. I wanted to get straight in and get it removed. "The hardest part was waiting to get the results to know what stage it was and what sort of treatment that would mean." She said John Hunter Hospital was "absolutely fantastic". Her surgeon removed 32 lymph nodes. "They all came back clear, so that was good news," she said. "Thankfully, I haven't had to have any chemo or radiation because they got it at stage two. But I did have a follow-up colonoscopy last week." People can reduce their risk of bowel cancer by eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, cereals and wholegrains, having a healthy weight and being physically active. It is recommended to do the at-home screening test every two years from the age of 45. Swansea's Rachel Rizk had a few unused and expired bowel cancer screening kits sitting in her cupboard. She ordered another one and put it on her dressing table. "I'd look at it every day and say I'll do that tomorrow," Ms Rizk said. "My biggest message is I want everyone to please do the test. Take the stigma away." Ms Rizk was diagnosed with bowel cancer at age 55, after seeing her doctor for erratic bowel movements. She had surgery in March. "I had to cancel a holiday to India. I had a holiday at John Hunter Hospital instead," she said. "They removed 15 centimetres of my bowel and a tumour the size of a plum. When they did the first colonoscopy, they couldn't get the camera through." When she was diagnosed, she said to her specialist, "With all due respect, are you sure you have the right person?" "I felt fit and fabulous. He took a second look at his screen and said 'Sorry, Rachel, it is you'." In the Hunter New England health district, only 42 per cent of people do the bowel screening test after receiving it in the mail. The district recorded 3804 bowel cancer cases from 2017 to 2021, and 1362 people died from the disease in that period. With June being Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, the NSW government is urging eligible people to take the screening test. Available to those aged 45 to 74, it's the easiest way to detect the early signs of bowel cancer. Health Minister Ryan Park said, "Unfortunately, Australia has one of the highest incidences of bowel cancer in the world". "It's the second biggest cancer killer in NSW," Mr Park said. "We have this free screening test that is quick, easy and very effective in detecting the early stages of bowel cancer, but we need more people to take part." NSW chief cancer officer Tracey O'Brien said, "Bowel cancer can be successfully treated if caught early". "People who do the test are almost twice as likely to have their cancer detected at the earliest stage," Professor O'Brien, of Cancer Institute NSW, said "Bowel cancer is not just an old person's disease." Ms Rizk initially thought she had IBS symptoms. After doing the screening test, she was diagnosed with stage two bowel cancer. "I went into fight mode. I wanted to get straight in and get it removed. "The hardest part was waiting to get the results to know what stage it was and what sort of treatment that would mean." She said John Hunter Hospital was "absolutely fantastic". Her surgeon removed 32 lymph nodes. "They all came back clear, so that was good news," she said. "Thankfully, I haven't had to have any chemo or radiation because they got it at stage two. But I did have a follow-up colonoscopy last week." People can reduce their risk of bowel cancer by eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, cereals and wholegrains, having a healthy weight and being physically active. It is recommended to do the at-home screening test every two years from the age of 45. Swansea's Rachel Rizk had a few unused and expired bowel cancer screening kits sitting in her cupboard. She ordered another one and put it on her dressing table. "I'd look at it every day and say I'll do that tomorrow," Ms Rizk said. "My biggest message is I want everyone to please do the test. Take the stigma away." Ms Rizk was diagnosed with bowel cancer at age 55, after seeing her doctor for erratic bowel movements. She had surgery in March. "I had to cancel a holiday to India. I had a holiday at John Hunter Hospital instead," she said. "They removed 15 centimetres of my bowel and a tumour the size of a plum. When they did the first colonoscopy, they couldn't get the camera through." When she was diagnosed, she said to her specialist, "With all due respect, are you sure you have the right person?" "I felt fit and fabulous. He took a second look at his screen and said 'Sorry, Rachel, it is you'." In the Hunter New England health district, only 42 per cent of people do the bowel screening test after receiving it in the mail. The district recorded 3804 bowel cancer cases from 2017 to 2021, and 1362 people died from the disease in that period. With June being Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, the NSW government is urging eligible people to take the screening test. Available to those aged 45 to 74, it's the easiest way to detect the early signs of bowel cancer. Health Minister Ryan Park said, "Unfortunately, Australia has one of the highest incidences of bowel cancer in the world". "It's the second biggest cancer killer in NSW," Mr Park said. "We have this free screening test that is quick, easy and very effective in detecting the early stages of bowel cancer, but we need more people to take part." NSW chief cancer officer Tracey O'Brien said, "Bowel cancer can be successfully treated if caught early". "People who do the test are almost twice as likely to have their cancer detected at the earliest stage," Professor O'Brien, of Cancer Institute NSW, said "Bowel cancer is not just an old person's disease." Ms Rizk initially thought she had IBS symptoms. After doing the screening test, she was diagnosed with stage two bowel cancer. "I went into fight mode. I wanted to get straight in and get it removed. "The hardest part was waiting to get the results to know what stage it was and what sort of treatment that would mean." She said John Hunter Hospital was "absolutely fantastic". Her surgeon removed 32 lymph nodes. "They all came back clear, so that was good news," she said. "Thankfully, I haven't had to have any chemo or radiation because they got it at stage two. But I did have a follow-up colonoscopy last week." People can reduce their risk of bowel cancer by eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, cereals and wholegrains, having a healthy weight and being physically active. It is recommended to do the at-home screening test every two years from the age of 45.
News.com.au
19-05-2025
- News.com.au
Health Check: Biotechs obey the Three Commandments of life sciences
Anatara has taken a different tack post-trial results, while Chimeric is raising funds and Imugene proposes a share consolidation Heramed falls victim to US healthcare funding cuts D-Day looms for Mayne Pharma holders – or will there be a twist? Biotechs are heeding the Three Commandments of Life Sciences, as evidenced by ASX announcements over the last few days. Why have only three emerged from the Mount? Inspired by Donald Trump's famed negotiating skills and the supermarkets' shrinkflation practices, we managed to whittle them down from ten – and got adultery removed for good measure. Anatara cuts the pineapple in other ways Commandment One: when a clinical trial faileth, do not throweth in the towel prematurely. In the case of Anatara Lifesciences (ASX:ANR), the company dipped out with a phase II trial testing its drug candidate – Garp – on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients. Garp, as in Gastrointestinal ReProgramming, contains a form of bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple stems of all things. Enlisting 78 volunteers, the study failed to meet the primary endpoint of a meaningful improvement in IBS symptoms, compared to placebo. This was despite a 40% 'sustained and consistent' improvement, as measured by the IBS symptom scoring system. The gist is that while there was an 'apparent trend of pain and distension relief', the more subjective measures did not show a clear pattern of improvement and this affected the overall score. For example, questions included "how dissatisfied are you with your bowel functioning the past 10 days?" The answers 'appeared to confound the result, presumably because the underlying disease is still present with a level of symptomatology'. Anatara is continuing its anti-obesity pre-clinical studies, which are expected to take about six months to complete. The other lesson here is that in devising primary endpoints, one should be-eth bloody careful to picketh the right ones. Chimeric seizes the day Commandment Two: Don't wasteth a successful trial result: go-eth to the well. True to that lore, Chimeric Therapeutics (ASX:CHM) on Friday requested a trading halt 'pending an announcement in relation to a capital raising'. The shares are frozen until tomorrow, or possibly today if the news come through. On Thursday Chimeric shares soared 60%, or two-thirds of the cents after the company said two out of three evaluable patients in its phase IIb trial had achieved a complete response. A complete response means remission or – in layman's terms – a cure. The third patient had 'achieved stable disease, whereby the cancer is neither increasing nor decreasing in extent or severity'. The study tested Chimeric's natural killer (NK) cells, agents in the blood stream with heightened cancer busting powers. Chimeric's candidate, CHM-0201 was administered alongside standard-of-care chemotherapy patients to the for acute myeloid leukemia. The three patients are the first to be targeted of 20 subjects, with 12 enrolled as of December. The first patient was dosed in June last year. The three patients were ineligible for transplantation and had not been previously treated. Honey – we shrunk the share base Commandment Three: when one's share price plummeteth, one should seeketh to consolidate one's shares. Imugene (ASX:IMU) proposes a share consolidation to reduce its circa 7.46 billion shares on issue by a factor of 34, subject to investor approval at an EGM. Imugene shares have fallen more than 70% over the last two years – and lost close to 10% this morning. In theory, the shares would be worth 68 cents a share post-consolidation. Apart from the 'vibe' of a company no longer being in 'penny dreadful' territory, share consolidations don't change anything fundamentally. Heramed loses US hospital partner HeraMED (ASX:HMD) has fallen victim to Trumpian public healthcare funding cuts, with hospital partner Broward Health ceasing use of the company's digital foetal monitoring tool Heracare. Heramed says Broward believed that Heracare worked quite well, including reducing pre-term births significantly. But the First, Second and Third Commandment of US healthcare is that economic imperatives come before clinical ones. As a Medicaid 'safety net' hospital, Broward took up Heracare courtesy of a state grant. As of April 1 this year, federal allotments to the states to fund such services have been reduced by US$8 billion annually. Heramed has appointed a US healthcare commercialisation firm, Aspire Health Innovations, to further its US growth. The company also is in commercial discussions with potential partners 'in other markets with stable healthcare policy environments.' Vitura pots another one Medical cannabis intermediary Vitura Health (ASX:VIT) has added another chain of clinics to its range of outlets, albeit indirectly. Vitura's 50% joint venture Flora has acquired the digital platform Heyday Medical, 'one of Australia's most respected medicinal cannabis clinics'. Established in 2020, the chain claims to have services more than more than 5000 patients. The deal involves Flora paying $350,000 in cash, plus a 15% stake in Flora post-deal, the value of which has not been quantified. Vitura owns the Canview marketplace, Doctors on Demand telehealth business, CDA Clinics (medical cannabis telehealth) and a the clinic chain Candor Medical. Last November Flora acquired the Releaf Group, which operates telehealth and physical clinics. Mayne and Island shares have a rest Mayne Pharma (ASX:MYX) shares are in trading halt until Wednesday, pending news of a 'material announcement' pertaining to US dermatological group Cosette's $7.40 a share cash takeover offer. Last Thursday, Mayne issued an independent report opining the offer was 'fair and reasonable', with an assessed value of $6.61 to $7.50 per share. Barring any surprise, Mayne holders will meet on June 18 to approve the scheme of arrangement. Meanwhile, Island Pharmaceuticals (ASX:ILA) shares are on trading halt pending a capital raising. The developer of both a treatment and prophylactic for dengue fever, Island had cash of $4.8 million as of the end of March.
News.com.au
04-05-2025
- News.com.au
Dr Zac reveals the truth about common bathroom habits
Welcome to Ask Doctor Zac, a weekly column from This week, Dr Zac Turner explores the smelly truth about farts. QUESTION: Hey, Dr Zac, I have a bit of a weird one for you – why do some people poo like clockwork every day, while others might only go a couple of times a week? I thought not going at least once a day was a sign something was wrong. And while we're at it, someone once told me that if your farts don't smell, it means you're basically a health guru. Is that true, or are they just talking rubbish? – Clara, 36, New Farm, Brisbane. ANSWER: Great question, Clare – poo and farts. Let's face it, we all deal with them, but they're not the topics you bring up at a dinner party. Still, your digestive system can reveal a lot about your overall health, and getting to know how it works could make all the difference in how you feel day-to-day. Let's take a deep dive into what's normal and when it's time to worry. How often should you be doing a poo? The first question everyone wonders about: how often should you poo? The truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Medical guidelines suggest that anywhere between three times a week and three times a day is perfectly normal. So, whether you're in the 'I'm going multiple times a day' camp or the 'I haven't been since last Tuesday' group, it doesn't automatically mean something's wrong – unless you're experiencing discomfort or other digestive issues. What really matters is how your body feels. If you're not experiencing pain or discomfort, then chances are your body is functioning just fine. But if things are feeling off, it's time to listen up. The trouble with too much pooing Some people seem to live in the bathroom, with multiple trips a day becoming their routine. If you're going more than three times a day, it could signal an underlying issue, even if you feel okay otherwise. It could be caused by dietary triggers like spicy foods, dairy, or too much caffeine. These foods irritate the digestive system and make things move a little faster than you'd like. Another possible cause is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), which can lead to urgent, loose stools. IBS isn't just a bit of an upset stomach – it can impact your daily life and routine. If you're noticing consistent discomfort, you might be dealing with this common digestive disorder. Sometimes, it's not IBS at all but a gut infection causing the issues. If you're experiencing fever, vomiting, or general misery along with loose stools, a stomach bug could be at fault. Certain medications – especially antibiotics – can also mess with your gut's delicate balance, causing more frequent bathroom breaks. If you're spending more time in the bathroom than anywhere else and it's affecting your quality of life, don't ignore it. Long-term diarrhoea can lead to dehydration, cramps, and nutrient malabsorption. Struggling to go? Here's what that means On the flip side, some people struggle with the opposite issue – constipation. If you're only going a couple of times a week or find yourself straining to go, it could be time to talk to a doctor. Constipation is usually marked by hard, dry stools. When stool moves too slowly through the colon, it becomes compact and hard, making it painful to pass. If you're straining to go, that's another red flag. It's not just uncomfortable – it can also lead to more serious issues. Bloating and abdominal discomfort are also common signs, as your system tries to move things along but gets stuck. Chronic constipation can lead to more serious complications, including haemorrhoids, anal fissures, or even fecal impaction, so it's worth addressing sooner rather than later. The myth about farting: Do odourless farts mean you're healthy? Let's unpack your question: if your farts don't smell, does it mean you're a health guru. As with most myths, it's not quite that simple. The truth is that the odour of your farts comes down to what you eat. Certain foods – like beans, cabbage, and dairy – are known for producing more gas and, let's be honest, some pretty stinky bum burps! If your farts are odourless, it could just mean your digestive system is processing these foods without much bacterial fermentation. But that doesn't necessarily mean you're healthier than the next person. It just means your gut is doing a good job of keeping things neutral. However, if you're experiencing excessive gas, bloating, or discomfort, it could signal an underlying gut issue like Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) or IBS. In that case, it's worth checking in with a doctor. Tips for a happy gut (and more tolerable farts) Now that we've covered the basics, here's how to keep your digestive system – and your farts – happy: • Eating plenty of fibre, staying hydrated, and getting regular physical activity can all help keep your system running smoothly. Fibre, found in foods like oats, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, adds bulk to stool and helps things move through your system. Just be sure to increase your fibre intake gradually to avoid bloating. • Drinking enough water is crucial, too. Without enough hydration, your stool can become hard and difficult to pass. Aim for at least 8 cups of water a day, especially if you're eating more fibre. • Physical activity is also important. Regular exercise helps stimulate digestion, so even a walk after meals can make a big difference. • If bloating or digestive discomfort is a problem, probiotics might be worth a try. These beneficial bacteria help balance your gut and improve digestion. Look for strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus for diarrhoea or Bifidobacterium for constipation. • And finally, don't hold it in. When you feel the urge to go, don't ignore it! Putting off bowel movements can lead to harder stools and make things even more uncomfortable later on. So, Clara, if you're not experiencing pain, bloating, or discomfort, your digestive system is probably working just fine. But if something feels off – whether it's blood in your stool, unexplained weight loss, or consistent pain – it's time to see a doctor. Dr Zac Turner is a medical practitioner specialising in preventative health and wellness. He has four health/medical degrees – Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Sydney, Bachelor of Nursing at Central Queensland University, and Bachelor of Biomedical Science at the University of the Sunshine Coast. He is a registrar for the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, and is completing a PhD in Biomedical Engineering (UNSW). Dr Zac is the medical director for his own holistic wellness medical clinics throughout Australia, Concierge Doctors.
