Tranmere Village Medical Centre

31/05/2026

June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month! This is a signature event for Bowel Cancer Australia (BCA) to raise awareness of Australia’s second deadliest cancer and funds for what matters to most people impacted by bowel cancer and empowering everyone affected to live their best life.

Bowel cancer, also known as colore**al cancer, can affect any part of the colon or re**um which are parts of the large intestine. Most bowel cancers start as benign, non-threatening growths called polyps on the wall or lining of the bowel. Polyps are fairly common with around 15-40% of adults having polyps. They are usually harmless; however, adenomatous polyps can become malignant and if left undetected, can develop over time into a cancerous tumour.

Common symptoms of bowel cancer can include:
- Blood in your poo or re**al bleeding – bright red or very dark blood should never be ignored
- A recent, persistent change in bowel habit
- A change in shape or appearance of your poo
- Frequent gas pain, cramps
- Unexplained anaemia
- A feeling that the bowel has not emptied completely
- Pain or a lump in the a**s or re**um
- Abdominal pain or swelling

BCA advises that not everyone experiences symptoms, especially in the early stages, and that the common symptoms can also be due to other medical conditions, some foods or medicines. Which is why they advise not to delay talking to your GP if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms for two weeks or more.

BCA states that 286 people will be diagnosed with bowel cancer this week (14,904 people a year), with bowel cancer claiming the lives of 103 Australians every week (5,372 people a year). However, it is one of the most treatable types of cancer when diagnosed early, almost 99% of bowel cancer cases can be successfully treated.

If you have ever thought about raising awareness and funds for bowel cancer, then June is the time to do it during this years Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. For more information on how you can get involved visit https://www.bowelcanceraustralia.org/get-involved/campaigns/bowel-cancer-awareness-month/

Sources: https://www.bowelcanceraustralia.org/

22/04/2026

Tranmere Village Medical Centre is proud to announce we have successfully passed our Practice Accreditation through AGPAL.

Thank you to everyone in our team who helped us achieve this recognition.

Watch the video below to learn more about the accreditation process and how it benefits you as our patients.

01/04/2026

Every Autistic person brings a unique perspective to the world. Through patient listening, thoughtful actions, and inclusive language, we can all help create a society where everyone feels valued and understood. This World Autism Understanding Month (April 2026), take a moment to learn how you can be a part of meaningful change: aspect.org.au/waum ( Aspect)

This World Autism Understanding Month, create understanding and acceptance by celebrating life on the autism spectrum.

18/03/2026

This Sunday 22nd March 2026, is when the people of Adelaide will March to raise awareness and funds for research to reach the goal of zero deaths from melanoma.

Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA) holds Melanoma March each year which is a national community fundraising campaign which brings together melanoma patients, their families, and local communities to raise awareness and funds.

According to MIA, Australia has the highest melanoma rates in the world. It is the most common cancer affecting 20-39 year olds, with one Australian being diagnosed every 30 minutes.

Melanoma develops in the skin’s pigment cells, know as melanocytes, and can spread via the blood and lymphatic system to other organs like the lungs, liver and brain. These melanocytes produce melanin to help protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation (sunlight), when these cells cluster together they form a mole. Melanoma occurs when abnormal melanocytes grow in an uncontrolled way, with a third of all melanomas developing from existing moles, however they can also develop anywhere on the skin. This is why it is important to get regular skin checks.

95% of melanomas are caused by over exposure to UV radiation. Melanoma risk is increased for people who have:
- Unprotected sun exposure
- A history of tanning and sunburn, especially during childhood and adolescence
- Lots of moles
- Atypical moles
- Already had a skin cancer
- Fair skin, red hair, blue eyes or skin that burns easily
- A family history of melanoma, especially if they developed it at a young age (i.e. less than 40)
- Certain genetic variations that can be inherited in families

It is important to note that even though the above factors increase the risk of melanoma, that fact is it can affect anyone regardless of skin type, ethnicity, age or gender, especially if they have spent a lot of time in the sun.

To book your skin check call us on 08 8365 1157.

For more information or to donate visit MIA’s website https://melanoma.org.au/

Sources:
https://melanomamarch.org.au/cms/about
https://melanoma.org.au/about-melanoma/what-is-melanoma/

12/03/2026

From 13th – 20th March is Coeliac Awareness Week. During this week Coeliac Australia are encouraging Australians to look beyond the obvious and ask: could it be coeliac disease?

Coeliac disease affects thousands of Australians, around 1 in 70 - yet around 80% of them remain undiagnosed. This immune-based condition, triggered by gluten, damages the small intestine and causes systemic inflammation, leading to serious health complications if left untreated. It can develop in anybody and at any age. So, this coeliac awareness week, take a moment to educate yourself on the signs and symptoms of this disease to raise awareness and potentially help with early diagnosis.

Common symptoms of Coeliac disease in adults include:
- Persistent gastrointestinal symptoms e.g., diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, flatulence/gas, cramping, bloating, abdominal pain, steatorrhea.
- Prolonged fatigue, weakness or lethargy
- Iron deficiency anemia and/or other vitamin and mineral deficiencies
- Unexplained weight loss
- Severe or recurrent mouth ulcers
- Skin rashes such as dermatitis herpetiformis

Symptoms in children can differ, such as:
- Persistent, unexplained abdominal or gastrointestinal symptoms
- Nausea or vomiting, chronic abdominal pain, cramping or distension, chronic constipation
- Chronic or intermittent diarrhoea
- Faltering growth or failure to thrive
- Unexplained weight loss or stunted growth
- Delayed puberty or amenorrhoea
- Prolonged fatigue
- Dental enamel defects and/or mouth ulcers

If you are experiencing the symptoms above and are worried about changes you’ve noticed, please contact your GP to discuss these concerns. To learn more visit https://coeliac.org.au/get-involved/the-coeliac-australia-awareness-week/.

Source: https://coeliac.org.au/

The Coeliac Awareness Week campaign runs from March 13-20, and we're shining a light on the hidden truth about coeliac disease. This Coeliac Awareness Week, we’re spreading the facts, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis, and supporting life-changing research.

28/02/2026

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. Endometriosis Australia is on a mission to raise awareness, advocate for change, educate, and fund crucial research to make a meaningful impact on the lives of over 1 million Australians living with endometriosis.

Endometriosis becomes present when tissue that is similar to the lining of the uterus occurs outside this layer and in other parts of the body which causes pain and/or infertility. There are four stages/grades of endometriosis:
- Minimal (Stage I) – few patches of superficial lesions
- Mild (Stage/grade II) – small patches or surfaces lesions found in the pelvic area
- Moderate (Stage/grade III) – more widespread areas of disease often affecting one or both ovaries and tissue behind the uterus, sometimes with significant scarring and adhesions
- Severe (Stage/grade IV) – endometriosis affects most of the pelvic organs, often causing scarring and distorted anatomy

Endometriosis can affect everyone differently, common symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Severe period pain that interferes with daily life
- Pain during ovulation
- Pain during or after s*x
- Pain when going to the toilet to pass urine or faeces
- Pain in your pelvic region, lower back or legs
- Difficulty holding on when you have a full bladder or having to go frequently
- Heavy bleeding or irregular bleeding

The average time for getting a diagnosis is 6.5yrs, so if you have any of the above symptoms, please discuss them with your doctor.

For more information about endometriosis or to donate visit Endometriosis Australia https://endometriosisaustralia.org/get-involved/

Source https://endometriosisaustralia.org/

Get involved with Endometriosis Australia. Donate, volunteer, fundraise and share your story to suppose those living with endometriosis.

14/02/2026

The 15th February marks International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) which is a global collaborative campaign to raise awareness about childhood cancer, to express support for children and adolescents with cancer, and to promote an increased appreciation and deeper understanding of the challenges faced by children and adolescents with cancer, the survivors and their families.

Every year, more than 400,000 children and adolescents under 20, are diagnosed with cancer. The rate of survival depends on the region, with 80% survival in most high-income countries but as low as on 20% in low and middle-income countries.

The target goal of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Childhood Cancer Initiative is to eliminate all pain and suffering of children fighting cancer and achieve at least 60% survival for all children diagnosed with cancer around the world by 2030. This represents an approximate doubling of the current cure rate and will save an additional one million children’s lives over the next decade.

ICCD spotlights the need for more equitable access to treatment and care for all children with cancer, everywhere.

To donate or learn more, visit https: //internationalchildhoodcancerday.org/

International Childhood Cancer Day On February 15th International Childhood Cancer Day is a global collaborative campaign to raise awareness about childhood cancer, and to express support for children and adolescents with cancer, the survivors and their families.

10/02/2026

REDFEB is Heart Research Australia’s annual campaign held every February to raise awareness and funds for life-saving heart research. Every 10 minutes, an Australian has a heart attack, and its impact is still felt long after the actual event for many of their loved ones.

Heart disease is Australia’s leading single cause of death, with 18,590 deaths attributed to heart disease in Australia in 2017. Heart disease kills one Australian every 28 minutes, but what is heart disease?

Heart disease is an umbrella term for a range of conditions that affect your heart which include blood vessel diseases, such as coronary artery disease; heart rhythm problems; and heart defects you’re born with, among others.

The term ‘heart disease’ is often used interchangeable with the term ‘cardiovascular disease’. Cardiovascular disease generally refers to conditions that involve narrowed or blocked blood vessels that can lead to a heart attack, check pain or stroke. Other heart conditions, such as those that affect your hearts muscle, valves or rhythm, are also considered forms of heart disease.

Risks of heart disease you can control
• Smoking
• Cholesterol
• High Blood Pressure
• Being inactive
• Diabetes
• Being overweight
• Unhealthy diet

Keeping your heart healthy, whatever your age, is the most important thing you can do to help prevent and manage heart disease. By making some lifestyle changes you can minimise your risk of getting cardiovascular disease and preventing heart disease. Follow the 4M’s framework which is designed to address these risks through simple, everyday actions that significantly impact our future health- particularly heart and vascular health.

Move- Keep moving at any age and at any fitness level.
Exercise has many benefits beyond simple fitness and flexibility. It stimulates the bodies immune system, reduces blood thickening so it clots less easily, improves brain function and lowers blood pressure. Participating in strength training and keeping our physical fitness levels up helps to ward off fragility, strengthen independence and helps to build good health later in life. This has a significant impact on our state of mental welling

Meals- Focus on eating mindfully and intelligently.
Embracing balance and moderation in your diet whilst understanding what you are eating is vital. Improved nutritional knowledge truly leads to improves health. Priorities a diet rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods over processed foods and make this the foundation of your diet.

Measurement- keep track of important health measurements.
This includes cholesterol levels, blood pressure, weight, blood sugar levels, waist circumference and exercise capacity. Regular check ups with your GP can help to keep track of and manage these measurements.

Mental Wellness- Priorities a positive mindset and nurture meaningful connections.
Many studies show your state of mind can protect, as well as damage heart health. Important risk factors that may lead to heart disease include stress, anger and depression. They can be as damaging as high cholesterol levels causing heart disease. Unaccustomed stress such as the loss of a family member can trigger heart attacks in an otherwise well individual. Conversely, a positive state of mind, a supportive community and personal happiness may help reduce the risk of a bad cardiovascular event. Positive social connection is crucial for everyone, particularly as we age. Additionally, practicing mindfulness, managing stress and engaging in activities that challenge and stimulate your brain, all play an essential role in maintaining mental and cognitive health.

In summary, Movement and exercise, intelligent choice of meals, measurement of key health indicators and mental wellness through prioritizing a positive mindset and social connection form a concise and effective framework to managing heart health before and after serious illness, at any age.

Take this February to educate yourself about heart disease, evaluate your own risk factors and make healthy changes for yourself and your families. Learn more at https://heartresearch.com.au/ or book in with your GP to discuss any potential concerns.

Source: https://www.redfeb.heartresearch.com.au/

31/01/2026

February is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Ovarian Cancer Australia (OCA)’s priorities this month are to:

1. Educate. OCA will continue to spread evidence-based information every Australian should know about ovarian cancer. Currently, only 31% of Australians know that ovarian cancer has the poorest survival rate of any female cancer in Australia, with this devastating disease suffering from a lack of awareness and progress.

2. Advocate on behalf of those impacted by ovarian cancer for more research funding, policy reform, greater access to affordable treatment options and ultimately better outcomes for all those affected.

3. Elevate the voices of women impacted by ovarian cancer by sharing their stories, their real-life experiences and getting these stories in front of as many eyes and ears as possible.

So, what is ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer is a general term used to describe a cancerous (malignant) tumour which can start in one or both ovaries. The ovaries are made up of three main cells; epithelial, stromal, and germ cells, each of these can develop into a different type of tumour. Ovarian cancer is mainly diagnosed in women over 50, with the average age of diagnosis being 64, however, there are cases diagnosed in younger women.

OCA states that about 1532 Australian women are diagnosed each year, with ovarian cancer being the 8th most common cancer in Australia.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer can be vague and often difficult to diagnose, however the most commonly reported symptoms are:
- Increased abdominal size or persistent abdominal bloating
- Abdominal or pelvic (lower tummy) pain
- Feeling full after eating a small amount
- Needing to urinate often or urgently
Additional symptoms may include:
- Changes in bowel habits
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
- Excessive fatigue
- Lower back pain
- Indigestion or nausea
- Bleeding after menopause or in-between period
- Pain during s*x or bleeding after

It is very important you see your GP if you have any of the symptoms listed above that persist. Whilst many of these symptoms can be caused by other much less serious medical conditions, it is best to get checked. The earlier a cancer is found the more success there will be in treating it.

OCA are calling on the community to wear teal ribbons for the month of February and in doing so, will start conversations that can change lives, increase awareness and help raise funds to support people affected by ovarian cancer. For more information and to purchase your teal ribbon, visit https://shop.ovariancancer.net.au/collections/turn-february-teal

Sources:
https://www.ovariancancer.net.au/get-involved/ovarian-cancer-awareness-month
https://www.ovariancancer.net.au/about-ovarian-cancer/understanding-ovarian-cancer

31/12/2025

Happy New Year to everyone from the Tranmere Village Medical Centre team. We hope you all have a fantastic year ahead and enjoy 2026 as much as we all enjoyed 2025.

We will be back resuming normal operating hours from Monday 5th January 8am.

If you require help during this closure period, please contact 13 SICK or your local emergency department.

Look forward to seeing everyone throughout the year!