But, Roz’s good fortune was her dad’s misfortune when he was diagnose with bowel cancer at the age of 74-years.

The diagnosis was enough to spur Roz and her sisters into action and regular bowl checks.

After the detection of cancer back in 1999 Roz had bowel resection surgery followed by regular colonoscopies.

She developed ulcerative colitis which eventually led to more tests and six hours of major surgery in 2012 where a stoma was formed by two surgeons.

“After the removal of more of my bowel cancer was found in lymph nodes in my groin and rectum,” Roz said.

“This was followed by assistance from a stomal therapy sister who was able to help me learn to manage my new condition.”

The following year Roz began six months of chemotherapy.

With June’s Bowel Cancer Awareness Month nearing a close Roz believed it was time to give people a nudge and remind them of the importance of getting a check of this oft taboo subject.

Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer is on the increase.

“It is the third most common type of newly diagnosed cancer in Australia and the second most common cancer affecting people in Australia.”

As of 2016 an estimated 15,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year.

Sadly, in 2016 213 people under the age of 50 years died from this disease.

When Roz’s youngest son Stephen was diagnosed in 2015 he was 47-years, healthy, fit, ate the right foods and showed no symptoms.

Surgery was followed by six months of chemotherapy.

Through the National Bowel Screening program people aged between 50-74 years are automatically sent a free FOBT kit.

However, the kit is only for low risk people without symptoms of bowel cancer.

“If you have a strong family history linked to bowel cancer this kit is not the first test for you.

“You should see your GP.”