Andy Saunders is a proud Biripi man from the Mid North Coast of NSW. A dad, husband and comedian who spends his days making people laugh and looking out for his community. When he's not on a plane heading to a gig, you'll find him at home with his family or walking on the beach with his wife and their doggies. He works with the NRL Dolphins team and performs with The Aboriginal Comedy Allstars. Now Andy is bringing his big heart and awareness to something serious: bowel cancer. He's proud to be part of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program campaign to get mob talking about a simple test that can save lives.
Doing a simple test
Andy does the at-home screening test himself when it’s sent every two years, and he wants you to know how easy it is.
"I didn’t know what to expect at first but it was very easy in the end," Andy says. "I'm glad I did it; it was so convenient and fast."
The kit comes in the mail, and you do it at home. For Andy, the big lesson was that it doesn't take much to do something important.
Being part of the campaign
Working on the campaign has meant a lot to Andy, and it's started some big conversations. One woman, a stranger, told him she was proud of him for putting the information out there, because she lost her mum to bowel cancer a long time ago.
"It felt cool to be part of something this serious and well accepted," Andy reflects. "I'm proud that it has reached a lot of people and potentially saved lives. I've always wanted to be a superhero. I know this doesn't officially make me one, but it's close enough for me."
Why it matters for mob
For Andy, bowel cancer screening is a straightforward step he can take to look after himself and be there for the people he loves.
"There is no shame in taking control of your health”
If found early, 90% of bowel cancer cases can be successfully treated.
If you have a mate or family member who keeps putting the test off, Andy knows what he'd say.
I would tell them that I have done the test, and that it saves lives. The stats speak for themselves. So just do it."
Staying in the game
These days Andy is keeping busy with family, work and gigs. Next up, The Aboriginal Comedy Allstars are heading to the Sydney Opera House for Just For Laughs.
Andy wants to be around for all of it, and he wants the same for you and your mob.
As a father and proud Biripi man, I want to be around for a lot longer so I can enjoy the great things life has to offer. Family, mob, fishing, surfing, comedy, travel, laughter, the beach, good food, sport, movies – you name it. There are too many things to miss in life to put the test aside."
Stay in the game for you and your mob.
About the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program provides eligible Australians aged 45 to 74 with a free bowel cancer screening kit every two years. People aged 50 to 74 will automatically receive a kit in the mail every two years to their registered Medicare address, so make sure your Medicare details are up to date. People aged 45 to 49 can request their first free kit online or over the phone on 1800 627 701, or with their healthcare professional.
For more information, visit www.indigenousbowelscreen.com.au, phone 1800 627 701, or speak with your healthcare professional.