The Bottom Line Podcast

The Bottom Line Podcast

An award winning podcast hosted by bowel cancer survivor, Stephanie Bansemer-Brown, is a monthly chat sharing stories and lived-experiences. Hearing from those living with or beyond bowel cancer, as well as health professionals involved in bowel cancer treatment and care, can be a valuable resource that can encourage and inspire others. Please note, podcasts may occasionally contain content that some listeners may find distressing.

Episodes

July 14, 2024 36 mins

Dr Sarah Chu and early-onset bowel cancer survivor Vanessa Mendico chat on this episode of The Bottom Line podcast about the importance of age not being a barrier to a bowel cancer diagnosis.

To address the perceived age bias as outlined in recent research, Bowel Cancer Australia has launched a new resource for GP’s, the Never2Young CPD series.

Featuring virtual clinics, these educational modules are aimed at helping GP’s identify bo...

Mark as Played

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.&n...

Mark as Played

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 ab...

Mark as Played

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.

Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played

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 epi...

Mark as Played

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.

Mark as Played

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.

Mark as Played
November 29, 2023 26 mins

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.

 

Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played

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 a...

Mark as Played

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, an...

Mark as Played

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 h...

Mark as Played

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 ...

Mark as Played

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 p...

Mark as Played

In a special Mother’s Day episode, 14-year old Angus reverses roles and steps in as guest host to interview his Mum, Stephanie.

Only two when Stephanie was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer, Angus delves into how his Mum’s diagnosis impacted their family. In a frank and honest conversation, Stephanie shares her fear of facing a similar fate to her mother, who died from ovarian cancer when she was just 20, and the very real possib...

Mark as Played

Clinical Geneticist & Professor Dr Nicholas (Nick) Pachter chats with Stephanie about Lynch syndrome, prevalence in the community, ongoing surveillance as well as treatment options.

Lynch syndrome is caused by a change in a gene that normally functions to protect a person from getting cancer.

A mutation carriers lifetime risk for bowel or other syndrome cancers is around 70-90% and each of their children has a 50% chance of inh...

Mark as Played

Colorectal surgeon, Dr Penelope De Lacavalerie explains why we all need to be aware of bowel cancer symptoms, but it's particularly important for young women not to have their symptoms dismissed as 'female issues' or due to pregnancy.

Passionate about human-centric care, Dr De Lacavalerie explains the importance of advocating for your own health and understanding that persistent symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain and anaemia ...

Mark as Played

Bowel Care Nurse Fiona chats with Stephanie about some of the common questions she is asked across the care continuum, including nutritional advice, side effects of treatment, and support that may be required as patients adjust to a  'new normal'. 

With expertise in intensive care, oncology and stomal therapy, Bowel Cancer Australia’s friendly nurses assist patients, family, friends, and concerned members of the community.

...

Mark as Played

A positive attitude helped Emily navigate her stage 3 bowel cancer diagnosis at just 37.

Emily and Stephanie discuss fertility after a cancer diagnosis, navigating cancer when you are young and single, as well as how family and friends were integral in supporting her through her bowel cancer journey.

An authentic and honest conversation that highlights the importance of not sweating the small stuff and learning to be kind to yo...

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    The Podium: An NBC Olympic and Paralympic podcast. Join us for insider coverage during the intense competition at the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games. In the run-up to the Opening Ceremony, we’ll bring you deep into the stories and events that have you know and those you'll be hard-pressed to forget.

    2. In The Village

    In The Village will take you into the most exclusive areas of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games to explore the daily life of athletes, complete with all the funny, mundane and unexpected things you learn off the field of play. Join Elizabeth Beisel as she sits down with Olympians each day in Paris.

    3. iHeartOlympics: The Latest

    Listen to the latest news from the 2024 Olympics.

    4. Paris Summer Games

    The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris are here and have everyone talking. iHeartPodcasts is buzzing with content in honor of the 33rd Olympic Games and you can follow Paris Summer Games to stay up to date on all things Olympics. We’re bringing you episodes from a variety of iHeartPodcast shows to help you keep up with the action. Follow Paris Summer Games so you don’t miss any coverage of the 2024 Olympic Games, and if you like what you hear, be sure to follow each Podcast in the feed for more great content from iHeartPodcasts.

    5. Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2024 iHeartMedia, Inc.