Every behind matters in the fight against bowel cancer
In football a behind can be the difference between a thrilling win and a crushing loss, in the fight against bowel cancer the consequences are even graver.
Bowel cancer prevention charity The Jodi Lee Foundation will launch its Behinds Matter campaign with Brisbane Lions Football Club on 18 June at The Gabba, to raise awareness of Australia’s second biggest cancer killer.
Footy fans at the Round 13 Brisbane Lions v West Coast Eagles clash will be asked to show their support every time a behind is scored, by holding up Behinds Matter signs distributed by volunteers before the game.
Founder and CEO of The Jodi Lee Foundation, Nick Lee said, “Even though it may be a missed goal for their side, it’s a win for bowel cancer prevention because the more people talk about bowel cancer the more lives will be saved.”
Star Brisbane Lions mid-fielder Dayne Beams and his brother and teammate Claye know better than most the devastating impact bowel cancer has on a family, after their father recently battled the disease. Dayne and Claye are now Jodi Lee Foundation ambassadors.
Dayne said, “Dad knew something was wrong and didn’t do anything about it for some time. He’s one of the lucky ones though as his cancer is now in remission, but we want to do whatever we can to prevent others from going through the same ordeal.”
“We have seen the work The Jodi Lee Foundation does raising awareness of bowel cancer, and this year we are giving our full support to their Behinds Matter campaign,” Dayne said.
In Australia bowel cancer claims a life every two hours, that’s around 80 people every week or over 4,000 each year. There are often no symptoms until the cancer has spread, which is why regular screening is so important. If detected early up to 90% of bowel cancers can be successfully treated or even prevented.
For more information about preventing bowel cancer go to: www.jodileefoundation.org.au
About The Jodi Lee Foundation
The Jodi Lee Foundation was established in honour of Jodi Lee, who lost her battle with bowel cancer at age 41. The Foundation’s mission is to empower people to take active steps to prevent bowel cancer and live healthy lives. Money raised by The Jodi Lee Foundation is used to raise awareness about bowel cancer nationally; run its Workplace Prevention Program to educate employees about bowel cancer prevention, and develop tools to aid the early detection of bowel cancer.
