The Bowel Movement: humour, hope and groundbreaking science to tackle Australia’s second biggest cancer killer
It’s time South Australians give a crap — no ifs, no butts about it.
The Bowel Movement is a bold new awareness and fundraising campaign launched by Flinders Foundation, in collaboration with Preventive Health SA, and other South Australian organisations, combining humour, hope and groundbreaking science to tackle bowel cancer, Australia’s second deadliest cancer.
Designed to break taboos, boost screening rates and fund life-saving research, the campaign uses cheeky language to spark serious conversations about early detection and prevention.
Behind the playful puns is cutting-edge medical research. Funds raised through The Bowel Movement will support groundbreaking bowel cancer research in Southern Adelaide and beyond.
Currently, researchers across the Flinders Medical Precinct are working hard to trial new, more user-friendly bowel cancer screening tests that could significantly improve participation rates—because early detection saves lives.
While bowel cancer is often perceived as a disease affecting older Australians, cases among younger people are rising. This highlights the urgent need for better awareness and innovation in screening.
Preventive Health SA Chief Executive Marina Bowshall said the campaign strongly aligns with the agency’s mission to support the long-term health and wellbeing of South Australians.
“Preventive Health SA is committed to taking action by engaging with the community and using evidence-based campaigns and resources to support healthier choices,” Ms Bowshall said.
“This campaign aligns with our focus on prevention, particularly reducing the rate and impact of preventable cancers across the state, as well as addressing risk factors such as tobacco, vaping, alcohol and obesity, to supporting mental health and wellbeing. By acting on these preventable cancer risks and increasing early detection and treatment, we can improve health outcomes for all South Australians.”
Adelaide local Cale Hutchings was just 29 when he was diagnosed with bowel cancer following a routine colonoscopy.
“Cancer wasn’t on my radar at all,” Cale says. “There was no family history, and I felt healthy. My diagnosis shows how important early testing is — and why we need better, easier screening options.”
Flinders Foundation Executive Director Ross Verschoor says stories like Cale’s reinforce why The Bowel Movement is focused on action, not just awareness.
“Bowel cancer doesn’t discriminate,” Ross says. “If humour helps people talk about their bowel health — and leads to advancements in care, prevention and earlier detection— we can save lives.”
“Our role at Flinders Foundation is to back exceptional researchers and clinicians to change outcomes for people affected by bowel cancer.”
For more information or to join The Bowel Movement, visit thebowelmovement.com.au