Aunty Denise encourages early testing to beat bowel cancer

At 79 years old, Denise Berry has no plans on slowing down and is spreading an important message to the community. 

The Aboriginal Elder from the Illawarra has become an advocate for early detection measures to beat bowel cancer, following her own diagnosis of the disease last year.

Like most women, Aunty Denise focuses her attention on the health and wellbeing of her family and community – her needs often coming last. 

It wasn’t until she started noticing changes in her bowel habits that she realised her health needed to come first.

In early 2023 Aunty Denise visited her doctor at the local Aboriginal Medical Service for further investigation and was diagnosed with bowel cancer.

‘When the doctor told me, I went numb,’ Aunty Denise recalls. 

‘I just sat there and couldn’t even think. It was a frightening thing.’  

After successful treatment, Aunty Denise is now cancer-free. She is encouraging eligible people to do the free test with the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, even if they have no signs or symptoms. 

‘You have to do the test to find the cancer – don’t leave it until it’s too late.’ 

‘Do the test as part of your regular health check.’

‘If not for yourself, do the screening for your family, your children, and your grandchildren.’ 

All eligible Australians aged 50 - 74 will receive the free at-home screening kit in the mail or through their health professional every two years.

Aunty Denise wants her experience to serve as a lesson to others to complete their bowel screening kit. 

‘When you receive the kit, open it, and do it,’ Aunty Denise says. 

‘There is no ‘shame’ in using it and posting your samples back.’

Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, however with regular screenings and early diagnosis, almost all bowel cancers are treatable.

Now, between mothering, exercising, and spending time with her grandchildren, Aunty Denise continues to lead a rich and fulfilling life and wants others to have the same opportunity.

‘It is most important that we look after each other but even more important to be responsible for your own health,’ Aunty Denise says. 

‘Do the test. It could save your life.’