"You have stage 4 cancer."
This is what Christina was told at age 29.
Emily was by her sister Christina’s side through the shock cancer journey from the start of her nausea to her diagnosis of bowel cancer in 2018.
“We never expected her constant nausea and pain to be bowel cancer.”
Christina began to feel unwell and booked in for some routine tests in 2018. The doctors then found a tumour and sadly she died just over a year after this nightmare began.
Emily (left), Christina (right)
“We said goodbye to Christina on the 11th of May 2019,” Emily said. “She was surrounded by friends and family.
“I will always cherish our 30th birthday and am so grateful to have been by her side throughout her journey, until her last breath.
“I will forever advocate for cancer awareness, especially in the younger generations.
“I do this in honour of Christina and her wish to raise as much awareness as we could for her and those who are fighting their toughest battle yet – fighting to live.
“Your donation will make a big difference and will help make cancer research breakthroughs more likely.”
Bowel cancer is the fourth most common form of cancer in Australia.
Christina is one of roughly 15,200 Australians diagnosed with bowel cancer each year, and among the 1,542 of those aged under 50.
The early symptoms of bowel cancer are easily confused with everyday complaints, causing sufferers to dismiss warning signs. But this can lead to lengthy delays in diagnosis.
Twin sisters Christina (left) and Emily (right) enjoying their time together.
Recent research has proven that a specific group of gut bacteria causes some bowel cancers.
Researchers like Associate Professor Daniel Buchanan have discovered links between gut bacteria and a wide range of illnesses including some cancers.
Associate Professor Daniel Buchanan believes this group of gut bacteria may be responsible for the development of bowel cancer in younger people.
In this project, A/Prof Buchanan and his team will determine how the gut bacteria causes bowel cancer in younger adults by identifying molecular signatures in tumour samples and in samples from the bowel lining of young adults.
Cancer Council FAQS
Where does my donation go?
Your generous donation will help fund Cancer Council's life-saving research, prevention and advocacy programs, and information and support services.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. Cancer Council NSW is registered with the Australian Taxation Office as an Income Tax Exempt Charity: Charitable Fundraising Authority No. 18521. All donations over $2 are tax-deductible.
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How else can I contribute?
There are many ways you can get involved and help change the lives of people affected by cancer. Some examples are:
