Jason Sweet || A Conversation about Cancer, Courage, Cars and Community

*This episode discusses bowel cancer. It is a gentle conversation. If this topic is challenging for you, please take care when listening or circle back another time.In his early 40's, Jason shares his deeply personal journey following a recent bowel cancer diagnosis. In this honest and courageous conversation, he opens up about receiving a temporary colostomy bag, navigating treatment, and the importance of resilience, support, and hope. Jason’s story offers insight, awareness, and encouragement for others facing their own health battles but his main hope is that people take their own health seriously and make sure they get checked.At the moment, Australia has the highest rate of early-onset bowel cancer globally. While most cases occur later in life, rates in people in their 40s are rising. People aged 40–49 account for the majority of early-onset cases, and approximately 1 in 8 Australians diagnosed with bowel cancer are under 50.June is bowel cancer awareness month. A great time to do a screening yourself (although any time of the year is a good time). Kits are available online or in chemists for a small fee if you are not eligible for the free screening yet. You can access more information about bowel cancer at https://www.bowelcanceraustralia.org/If you are concerned about someone who is struggling and finding it difficult to see their way out of mental challenges then we highly recommend Question. Persuade. Refer. QPR training, which Emma and Lain talked about in the first episode of Season 1. You can access the training ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Type in the code CSA to take the training free of cost. This training is funded by Country SA PHN. We thank them for their support in the Suicide Prevention space- an area we believe is important to put energy towards.We hope you enjoy this episode. Remember to subscribe so you don't miss any of the future MFEP+ME episodes!*MFEP+ME is a project created within the program Mentally Fit EP (MFEP). MFEP aims to empower people to take charge of their lives and to build mentally fit, connected communities. We believe mental health is everyone's business!Thank you to our NFP organisation, West Coast Youth and Community Support, for making MFEP a possibility! A rock star organisation with rock star staff!Thank you to our Season 3 Sponsor, Lincoln Rural, for supporting Mentally Fit EP for many years through fundraising. Their efforts and dedication have supported the EP community in a variety of ways and for that we are grateful!A big thank you to the Cummins and Port Lincoln Community Banks for supporting Mentally Fit EP through their grant programs. Thank you to Port Lincoln City Motors for their partnership in providing the Mentally Fit EP vehicle which helps us travel around the region to connect with the EP communities.Helpline Numbers and EP Counselling services are pinned to the top of the Mentally Fit EP Facebook pageLifeline 131 114Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467