The CSIRO’s plans to shut its bowel cancer research programs will further increase the divide between funding for research and the burden of bowel cancer in Australia.

Recent budget cuts of $115 million will result in the closure of the CSIRO’s bowel cancer research programs, which investigate the treatment and early detection of colorectal and bowel cancers.

The Jodi Lee Bowel Cancer Foundation Founder and CEO, Nick Lee, said given bowel cancer is Australia’s second biggest cancer killer, any cuts to research are a significant set back.

“We would like to see an increase in funding in this area to better reflect the burden of the disease in this country,” Nick said.

To read a recent Daily Mail article on the issue click here.