It was lines out the door and tables full of people for the 2022 Bowel Cancer inspired Yarrawonga Friends in Common Cancer Awareness Breakfast held at the ClubMulwala Endeavor Room last Wednesday.
More than 190 people were in attendance to the first cancer breakfast in three years as they sat and spoke about bowel cancer before listening to the stories and facts from Michael Price and Russell Ingram.
Friends in Common President Christine Merrett said the breakfast was an outstanding success with the organisation raising over $6372.
“What a wonderful breakfast we all had at ClubMulwala,” Mrs Merrett said.
“It was fantastic to see all our tradies and local businesses represented too.
“Thanks to Russell Ingram and Michael Price for sharing their experiences and knowledge with us and for raising our awareness of Bowel Cancer.
“We are so grateful for all the community support we receive, which allows us to continue to support the people in our communities who are undergoing treatment for Cancer.
“Our sincere thanks to everyone who attended and who made this event possible.”
More than 15,610 Australians are told they have bowel cancer each year (300 a week), including 1,680 people under the age of 50.
Bowel cancer claims the lives of 5,354 Australians every year (103 a week), including 290 people under the age of 50.
Guest speaker, Pharmacist Russell Ingram was very insightful in his description of the varying stages of bowel cancer and what medical care is available.
“Bowel Cancer is the third most common cancer and is the second highest cause of death,” Mr Ingram said.
“However the survival rate is good if it is caught early. In many instances you do not have any warning signs until it is too late, but this is why the bowel kit that is sent out in the mail to over 50s is important.
“Exercise and eating well can prevent it with alcohol, body fatness, too much red and processed meat and smoking some of the risk factors in contracting bowel cancer.
“There are three types of therapy if it is at a stage that requires higher medical intervention with chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy.
“My best friend in Melbourne has not long been diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer, he is not yet 60.
“It is not just a disease of old people so it is important to be aware of what to look out for and to have regular check ups to ensure your health.”
Well-known local and MC for the day Michael Price spoke of his personal experience with bowel cancer with his father unfortunately passing away from the disease.
“Thirty years ago my father was diagnosed with bowel cancer which he beat and lived happily and healthily for a further 20+ years,” Mr Price said.
“Unfortunately it came back eight years ago and he passed away from it.
“Bowel cancer does not discriminate but it has a higher incidence in men with 54% diagnosed being male and 46% female with 99% of bowel cancer cases treated successfully if found early.
“The tests we now get in the mail are free from the Australian government but were initially a Rotary club initiative which has been a fantastic scheme as it has saved countless lives.
“We are blessed to have such support these days through organisations such as Friends in Common as well as the technology advances to catch the disease early and to treat it.
“Know the signs.”
As well as the money raised there were many lucky door prizes and raffles with the major raffle winners being Pauline winning the $200 fuel voucher and child rocking chair, Denise Waldon claiming a prize, Maria winning the hand in blanket, Cath taking home the soft esky and Judy W claiming the reconditioned bike and helmet.
Mrs Merrett also added that anybody that is wanting to give back to the community can meet the ladies and become part of Friends in Common.
“If you would like to find out more about what we can do for you or about volunteering with us please phone 0497689027 or join us for a coffee and chat at St Cuthberts Hall, followed by our monthly meeting usually on the first Tuesday of the month,” Mrs Merrett said.
“Even if it is just for one of two hours a month, anybody that is looking to give back to the community can come and see what we do and take part.
“You can also message us or follow us on Facebook @friendsincommonyarrawonga.
“Everyone is welcome.”