by: Dr. Rebecca Lendzion
In 30-seconds tell us about yourself
My name is Rebecca Lendzion, and I am a Colorectal Surgeon with a special interest in women’s health. I have worked in Hospital settings across New South Wales and Australia. When I am not working, you’ll find me drinking a coffee or at the beach with my Husband and 16-month-old Son!
You see patients in several clinics around Sydney. What is your practice’s core values in helping Women?
As a female surgeon and working Mum, I understand the unique challenges faced by women. I am passionate about patient-centric care and my mission is to foster a safe space for open dialogue about women’s health issues, ensuring that patients feel comfortable discussing their symptoms and concerns without fear of judgment.
Every woman has their own health goals, values, and past medical history. This is why my consultations are not only based on current evidence-based practices; I also focus on the individual and ensure my treatments are tailored to each patient.
What conditions do you treat and what conditions are you seeing more commonly among your patients?
Bowel cancer is often perceived as an ailment affecting older adults, but the reality is starkly different. Cases of early-onset bowel cancer—diagnoses before the age of 50—are alarmingly on the rise. According to recent studies, bowel cancer diagnoses in young Australians are on the rise, with the risk of being diagnosed before the age of 40 more than doubling since 2000. For those aged 15 to 24, rates have skyrocketed by 266 per cent over the past three decades.
As women, it’s crucial to understand the risk factors, recognise the symptoms, and seek timely medical advice. Symptoms may include changes in bowel habit (new diarrhoea or constipation), unexplained weight loss, fatigue, anaemia, bleeding from the back passage or blood mixed in the stool and abdominal pain that persists. If you have any new or concerning symptoms, discuss them with your GP immediately regardless of your age.
I also see patients with pelvic floor conditions, such as prolapse and incontinence and have an expert group of female pelvic floor physiotherapists across the Northen Beaches whom I collaborate with to tailor treatment programs to each individual patient.
What are the latest changes to bowel cancer screening in Australia that our readers should be aware of?
From 1 July 2024, an additional 1.6 million Australians aged 45-49 were made eligible to request a screening test from the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP). Once a person aged 45-49 opts-in to the Program, they will receive a screening test every two years. The updated clinical practice guidelines also recommend people aged 40-44 request screening via their healthcare professional prior to receiving their first NBCSP invitation.
According to the latest research, people under the age of 50 have an increased risk of developing bowel cancer when they experience one or more symptoms of abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, diarrhoea, and iron deficiency anaemia between 3 months and 2 years prior to diagnosis.
What is one of the best kept secrets on the Northern Beaches? Favourite haunt, coffee shop, or boutique clothing store
For my morning coffee (and sometimes Croissant fix) you will always find me at Staple Bakery in North Curly. The croissants and breads are so fresh and delicious, and the staff are always friendly.