Melbourne mother Ebony Gaylor says she ignored persistent gut problems before being diagnosed with bowel cancer at the age of 38, believing her symptoms were linked to gluten intolerance or irritable bowel syndrome.

The young professional and mother said she tried lifestyle changes such as exercising more, reducing coffee intake and changing her diet, but her symptoms continued without improvement.

Her diagnosis led to intensive treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation, colostomy bags, and surgery to remove part of her bowel, rectum and lymph nodes.

Gaylor said cancer treatment affected every aspect of her life, including her health, finances, family relationships and ability to care for her child.

She is among a growing number of Australians under the age of 50 being diagnosed with bowel cancer, with rates more than doubling among people aged 20 to 29 and tripling among those aged 30 to 39 over the past two decades.

Experts say the sharp rise in early-onset bowel cancer remains poorly understood, with possible contributing factors including lifestyle, genetics, obesity, diet, environmental influences and changes in gut health.

Bowel cancer specialist Dr. Julia Freckelton noted that current treatment systems are often not designed to meet the needs of younger patients balancing work, parenting and daily responsibilities.

A new trial programme known as ORBIT will explore more flexible support options for younger cancer patients, including telehealth services, after-hours appointments, fertility support, mental health care and long-term recovery planning.

Now cancer-free, Gaylor says greater investment in research and age-appropriate care is needed to address the growing number of young Australians affected by bowel cancer.