A Lifeline In The Fight Against Bowel Cancer

By Amanda Wright

Every year, close to 15,000 Australians hear the words no one wants to hear: you have bowel cancer. For many, the road ahead is overwhelming, filled with medical jargon, invasive treatments, and a battle that is as much mental as it is physical. But in Mackay, there is someone dedicated to walking that road with them.

Following World Cancer Day on the 4th of February, the spotlight turns to the incredible work being done to support patients across our region. Among those making a difference is Sue Allsopp, a specialist Bowel Care Nurse at Icon Cancer Centre Mackay, who provides critical support to local patients navigating a bowel cancer diagnosis. She is not just a nurse—she is an advocate, a navigator, and a source of unwavering support for those facing one of the toughest fights of their lives.

“I have so many patients who inspire me due to their positive approaches and resilience in the face of a life-changing cancer diagnosis,” says Sue.

Bowel cancer presents unique challenges, and every patient’s journey is different. For the past six months, Sue has been ensuring that those diagnosed in Mackay do not have to face it alone. Thanks to a partnership between Bowel Cancer Australia and Icon Cancer Centre, specialist Bowel Care Nurses like Sue have been placed in select centres nationwide, bridging the critical gaps in patient care.

“Each day in my role is different as each patient with a diagnosis of bowel cancer is unique. I spend time with each patient to discuss their individual needs and support them to set realistic goals that will help them during their bowel cancer journey.”

For Karen Worcester, a 61-year-old bowel cancer patient at Icon Cancer Centre Mackay, Sue’s support has been invaluable.

Karen was diagnosed with a stage 3 rectal tumour in November 2023.She underwent radiation therapy and chemotherapy at Icon Mackay, before undergoing surgery in August 2024.

“From the moment we were introduced, Sue has been in constant touch, lining me up with stoma nurses before and after my operation, researching physiotherapists and dieticians to help my recovery, and she put me in touch with the Cancer Society for any further assistance I may need. I can’t thank her enough,” Karen shares.

“Sue’s support has been invaluable, and she has played a major part in me getting through and dealing with my cancer journey.”

Beyond patient support, Sue is on a mission to break down barriers, raising awareness and challenging misconceptions about bowel cancer. Many still believe it is a disease that only affects older adults, but the reality is stark: bowel cancer is now the deadliest cancer and the seventh leading cause of death for Australians aged 25-44.

“Early detection is so important when it comes to achieving good outcomes for bowel cancer patients,” Sue emphasises.

“I think there are still misconceptions relating to early-onset bowel cancer, which are leading to delays in diagnosis in the under 40 years age group. Bowel cancer can impact anyone at any age.”

The statistics reinforce her urgency—86% of people diagnosed with early-onset bowel cancer experience symptoms. Yet, too many dismiss those symptoms or struggle to access timely testing. This is where advocacy is critical.

According to Bowel Cancer Australia CEO, Julien Wiggins, 83 per cent of bowel cancer patients identify access to a specialist nurse as an essential resource to improve their care journey.

With Sue in Mackay, more patients now have that crucial lifeline.

Sue’s journey to this role has been one of dedication and experience. Having worked in rural and remote areas, tertiary hospitals, surgical and oncology wards, emergency, gastroenterology, palliative care, aged care education, and chronic disease management, her background is as diverse as it is specialised. She has spent over a decade in gastroenterology and inflammatory bowel disease programs and continues to build upon her expertise through oncology nursing competency training at Icon Cancer Centre.

“I felt drawn to the role because I had the clinical gastroenterology and palliative care skills to provide professional, holistic assessment and support to patients diagnosed with bowel cancer and those facing advanced outcomes,” she said.

“I have built strong professional health networks over many years within the Mackay region, and I believe those networks are essential in this role.”

Sue’s work is changing lives, offering not just medical support but hope, guidance, and reassurance.

As the world reflects on World Cancer Day, her message is clear: don’t wait to have symptoms identified, push for answers, and never ignore the signs.

Cancer doesn’t wait, and neither should you.

Sue Allsopp, a specialist Bowel Care Nurse at Icon Cancer Centre Mackay, provides advocacy and support for people diagnosed with bowel cancer
Karen Worcester knows firsthand the challenges of a bowel cancer diagnosis, but with the support of specialist nurse Sue Allsopp, she’s facing her journey with strength and resilience

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