Millions of Australians at risk of bowel cancer

More than 8 million Australians will be affected by bowel cancer by 2026, according to a report released on Monday.

The report, developed by KPMG Demographics and commissioned by Bowel Cancer Australia, examines the confronting demographic issue behind bowel cancer and Australia's aging population.

Report author Bernard Salt said bowel cancer attacks the middle-aged with progressive lethality, with rates leaping tenfold between the ages 50 and 79.

"By the end of the coming decade 4.6 million baby boomers and 4 million Gen Xers will be subjected to a bowel cancer lottery, purely because of the age group through which they are passing," Salt said.

The report highlights how localized bowel cancer can be and demonstrates the need for public health programs to be based not only on age but also geography, said Bowel Cancer Australia chief executive Julien Wiggins.

"The government's age based national screening program has significant regional implications with positive tests requiring further investigation via colonoscopy within 30 days," Wiggins said.

"Bowel cancer patients require timely access to surgery, treatment and cancer support services, however, these are not always available locally which can adversely impact patient outcomes."

The risk of developing bowel cancer is about 1 in 12 or 8 percent. Endit