The Bottom Line Podcast

The Bottom Line Podcast

Bowel Cancer Australia's award winning podcast hosted by bowel cancer survivor, Stephanie, 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

January 5, 2025 34 mins

On this episode, celebrity chef and author Justine Schofield opens up about the death of her best friend Beth to bowel cancer aged just 38.

Justine talks about the joy of female friendship, her shared love of food with Beth and how the loss of her lifelong friend at such a young age has impacted her and their close-knit group.

“There is something so very special and effortless about a female friendship and I hit the jackpot with Beth...

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A long-time bowel cancer advocate, Jodie’s delayed diagnosis was 'explained away' as female related issues, pregnancy and being a young Mum. 

It wasn’t until she advocated for herself that she finally got the answer to her ongoing symptoms – Stage 3 bowel cancer.

'Self-advocacy is my big message - if something doesn’t feel right, look right and you’re not happy with the responses you're receiving, you need to find another optio...

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For avid runner, Brendan, looking after his mental health and body through running was a daily routine.

But when he was struggling to complete his normal running regime and feeling tired and exhausted, he decided to see a GP.

After being turned away twice and told it was nothing to be concerned about, Brendan listened to his body and sought a second opinion and was diagnosed with stage 2 bowel cancer aged 38.

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Diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer and HER2 gene mutation at 35, Pei, (a GP registrar) chats with Stephanie regarding the importance of GP’s treating the patient in front of them without age bias. 

Pei talks about her realistic and pragmatic approach to living her life with a terminal illness and how her love of the outdoors keeps her focused on the 'now'.

'I live my life in 9-week cycles – scan to scan – but I am always tryin...

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TV writer and director, Darren Ashton, discusses with Stephanie how his stage 3 bowel cancer diagnosis informed the tone of the hit ABC show, 'Austin'.

'When you're knocking on deaths door, you think about the important things. I wanted to put something joyous into the world and this is why “Austin” became a positive show.'

In this frank chat Darren talks about the importance of a good support network and the benefit of shared experi...

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Palliative Care doctor and author of, 'With the End in Mind', Kathryn Mannix demystifies the often uncomfortable topic of death and dying.

Chatting with Stephanie, Kathryn reminds us that we often fear death because of the unknown; that death is not what is portrayed in Hollywood movies and that we have forgotten about the process of 'ordinary dying'.

Drawing on her decades of experience, Kathryn provides practical tips as well as so...

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On this episode, Dr Sarah Chu and early-onset bowel cancer survivor Vanessa Mendico discuss the importance of age not being a barrier to a bowel cancer diagnosis.

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

Featuring virtual clinics, these educational modules are aimed at helping GP’s identify bowel cancer red flag signs and symptoms in ...

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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...

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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...

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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.

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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...

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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...

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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.

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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.

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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.

 

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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 ...

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