Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) cost Australia more than $3.1 billion annually, according to Crohn’s and Colitis Australia.
And this is likely to increase, with 100,000 Australians expected to be living with conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis by 2022.
But Geelong gastroenterologist Lauren Beswick hopes a new IBD clinic that opened at University Hospital Geelong a few weeks ago can help those suffering the conditions.
“Gastrointestinal diseases are relatively-invisible diseases,” she said.
“People appear to be functioning quite well, but under the surface they’re struggling a great deal with symptoms.”
This month Crohn’s and Colitis Australia is encouraging people living with these lifelong, incurable illnesses to share their experiences to spread awareness.
“I think gastrointestinal disease is relatively underrepresented in terms of education and awareness,” Dr Beswick said.
In February Bellarine MP Lisa Neville announced she would take three months of leave due to complications from Crohn’s disease, which she has lived with for 32 years.
“Obviously Lisa is well-known in the community,” Dr Beswick said.
“I think that’s going to have an enormous impact locally in terms of awareness and education.”
Dr Beswick encouraged Geelong locals to visit their GP if they experienced abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, weight loss and fatigue.
“If you are able to diagnose and manage IBD earlier with appropriate medications or treatments, patients tend to do better,” she said.
“There is an increased risk of bowel cancer when people have had these diseases for a long period of time.”
For information visit crohnsandcolitis.com.au or phone 1800 138 029
