THE risk of bowel cancer is higher in Brimbank than any other city in the west, a new report reveals.
Studies by Bowel Cancer Australia show more than 70 per cent of bowel cancers are linked to diabetes, obesity, lack of exercise, excessive drinking and smoking.
On average, 39 Australians are diagnosed with the condition every day.
Brimbank is Melbourne’s diabetes hot spot, with 11,793 residents living with the condition. About 15 new cases are diagnosed in the municipality each week.
Neighbouring Maribyrnong is also at risk, with the highest rate of diabetes per capita in the west. Four in every 100 people have diabetes in Maribyrnong.
The report reveals 37,216 of Brimbank’s population are overweight, while more than 24,000 people are obese. More than 30,525 residents smoke and 57,086 are physically inactive. St George Surgery general practitioner Romani Agaibi said the chances of contracting bowel cancer were much higher after the age of 50.
He said it was crucial that people with a family history of the condition managed risk factors like inactivity and weight.
“It’s also important people are educated on how to consume a healthy diet, exercise adequately and remove excessive smoking and drinking from their lifestyle.”
Diabetes campaigner Cecilia Gomez-Benitez runs weekly food education workshops for migrants at Glengala Community Centre.
She said migrants were particularly susceptible because many were not used to having fresh fruit and vegetables in their diet.
“We teach them the right foods to eat and how they can prepare them easily.”
Classes are held each Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. More details: 9364 5322.
