KIM Campbell and Alan Webb-Mole know how bowel cancer turns lives upside down.
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Mr Campbell, of Yackandandah, had a bowel cancer screening last November and by December he was in hospital.
For Mr Webb-Mole, of Splitters Creek, the experience was a little different.
His wife, Julie, died almost a year ago after a 14-month battle with the disease.
This week is Bowel Cancer Awareness Week so the pair are using their experiences to urge others to get tested.
“Have regular checks — it’s a serious issue,” Mr Campbell, 66, said.
“It changes your life.”
Mr Campbell has spent the past six months undergoing surgery and having radiation and chemotherapy treatments.
The stage 3 cancer was detected when he took part in the Federal Government’s National Bowel Cancer Screening Program for people aged 55-65.
Gastrointestianl cancer care co-ordinator Robyn Sharman, of the Border Cancer Collaboration, said a screening was the best way to stop the disease in its tracks.
“If detected early, bowel cancer can be cured,” she said.
Bowel Cancer Awareness Week runs until Sunday.
A community awareness forum is being held in Albury next Wednesday.
The event starts at 7pm at the Albury Club in Kiewa Street.
To book a seat a the forum phone 131 120.
