April 28th 2024.
Luke Johnson, a soon-to-be father from Melbourne, is bravely facing incurable bowel cancer and is determined to spread awareness about the disease. As oncologists refer to its increasing occurrence in younger individuals as an "epidemic", Luke urges his fellow Australians to be vigilant about any potential symptoms.
It has been a challenging two-year journey for Luke and his wife Tegan, ever since they received the devastating news. At the age of 32, Luke's stomach pains were initially mistaken for appendicitis, but further tests revealed that he was actually battling stage four bowel cancer which had already spread. "It was completely unexpected, I had no other symptoms besides the mild stomach pains," Luke shared with 9News. "We never even considered cancer as a possibility at that point, we assumed it was something that could be treated easily."
Luke underwent intense chemotherapy and major surgery, but unfortunately, in February, he was informed that his cancer was no longer curable. "The prognosis is not good," he admitted. Throughout this difficult journey, Tegan has been his constant support. "He uplifts me more than I do him, I don't know how he manages it," she said.
Despite the grim situation, both Luke and Tegan remain positive and hopeful, especially with the arrival of their first child in June. "Luke will make an amazing father, he's already so great with our nieces and nephews. I can't wait for this next chapter in our lives," Tegan gushed.
Bowel cancer is often thought of as a disease affecting older individuals, but in the past twenty years, the rate of cancer in people under the age of 40 has doubled. This alarming increase has led oncologists to describe it as an epidemic that is detected too late. Dr. James McCracken notes that younger patients often have more advanced stages of the disease compared to older patients, despite being fit and healthy.
The good news is that if detected early, 99% of bowel cancers can be successfully treated. Doctors are urging younger individuals to seek a colonoscopy if they experience any unusual symptoms. Currently, individuals aged 50 to 74 are sent a bowel screening test every two years, but Bowel Cancer Australia is advocating for the screening age to be lowered to 45. "It's also important for those at average risk to request a test kit from their GP at the age of 40," said Bowel Cancer Australia's chief executive Julien Wiggins. "And if you're not satisfied with your doctor's response, don't hesitate to seek a second opinion."
Some common symptoms of bowel cancer include diarrhea or constipation, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, bloating, cramping, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. Luke's story serves as a reminder for all of us to pay attention to our bodies and take any abnormal changes seriously. Let's spread awareness and fight this disease together.
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