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Bowel
Cancer
Awareness
Month

Get Behind It!

Break the poo taboo

Poo taboo

Know the
red flag signs
& symptoms

Talk to your GP

Raise funds

for people affected by bowel cancer

Dry July

Bowel Cancer Care

with Confidence

Register and begin learning

Early-Onset
Bowel Cancer

Clinical Practice Guidelines

Guideline Prioritisation

Early-Onset
Bowel Cancer

Centre of Research Excellence

Read more

Bowel cancer

Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, can affect any part of the colon or rectum.

It may also be referred to as colon cancer or rectal cancer depending on where the cancer is located.

The colon and rectum are parts of the large intestine.

What is bowel cancer?
An anatomical illustration of a human torso with the intestines highlighted in red and a tumor indicated.

Screening

Bowel cancer screening is for people who do not already have bowel cancer, symptoms of bowel cancer, or any reason to have a high risk of bowel cancer.

Medical guidelines state the recommended strategy for population screening in Australia, directed at those at average risk of bowel cancer and without relevant symptoms, is faecal immunochemical testing every 2 years, starting at age 45 years and continuing to age 74 years.

Screening options
A display box for ColoVantage home bowel screening tests with cheerful images of people and informational text.
Blurred image of a hospital waiting area with people seated and a reception desk in the foreground.

Bowel cancer is the fourth most common type of newly diagnosed cancer and second deadliest in Australia.

Map of Australia with the text
14904
Australians are told they have bowel cancer each year
5372
lives lost to bowel cancer each year
99 %
of cases can be treated successfully when detected in the earliest stage
163000
Australians living with or beyond bowel cancer.

We’re here for you

Bowel Cancer Australia’s essential support services are uniquely designed for you, whether living with or beyond bowel cancer, providing an extra layer of support to the trusted relationship you have with your treating medical team.

Five women in green polo shirts smiling together, with the text "We're here for you" above them.
Specialist support

Our essential support services uniquely designed for bowel cancer patients via our confidential Helpline with specialist telehealth support.

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Peer-to-peer network

Australia’s only national support group for bowel cancer patients – newly diagnosed, living with or beyond bowel cancer.

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The Movement

Our nurse moderated Facebook Group, with monthly expert guests, is a place to connect with other patients and share lived experiences.

Learn More
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Meaningful Movement

Our closed personal trainer guided Facebook Group to assist patients seeking to prioritise exercise alongside treatment.

Learn More
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BottomLine Podcast

Our monthly podcast sharing stories, lived experiences and health professional knowledge about bowel cancer treatment and care.

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Free patient resources

Covering all aspects of bowel cancer: prevention, early detection, diagnosis, surgery, treatment, and adjusting to the ‘new’ normal.

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Lived-experiences

A valuable resource if you find it helpful to read stories of others who are living with or have been affected by bowel cancer.

Learn More
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Call on Canberra

Our Never2Young Advocacy Agenda seeks to improve care experiences and health outcomes for younger people.

Learn More
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Bowel friendly recipes

High and low fibre receipts by our Nutritionists, uniquely designed if you are recovering from surgery and/or living with a stoma. 

Learn More
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With your support,
we’re making an impact!

Bowel Cancer Australia is the leading community-funded charity dedicated to championing what matters most to people impacted by bowel cancer and empowering everyone affected to live their best life.

Learn more about how your support of Bowel Cancer Australia is contributing in a meaningful and impactful way that produces measurable benefits. 

Our Impact

Latest news, stories and recipes

Bowel Cancer News
UNWAVERING CHAMPIONS FOR CHANGE Bowel Cancer Australia 25 YEARS

Unwavering champions for change

For more than 25 years the team at Bowel Cancer Australia and our amazing community of donors, fundraisers, advocates, volunteers, patrons and supporters have …
Learn more
Company
A puppy leans over a toilet next to a Kleenex box promoting bowel cancer awareness.

Break the poo taboo

Kleenex® is partnering with Bowel Cancer Australia to transform the humble loo roll into a bowel cancer awareness game-changer, because there’s nothing taboo about …
Learn more
Bowel Cancer News
Fruzaqla logo with the name in blue and the drug name "fruquintinib" in purple beneath it.

Fruzaqla listed on the PBS

Bowel Cancer Australia welcomes the listing of fruquintinib (Fruzaqla) on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 1 May 2026. This treatment option is for …
Learn more
Bowel Cancer News
Logo of Cancer Australia Research Initiative with a colorful geometric design.

Early-onset bowel cancer research grant awarded

Congratulations to A/Prof Daniel Buchanan and his research team on securing a $2.5 million grant to investigate the increasing incidence of Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer …
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Community Loved One
A woman in a blue jacket smiles while holding a document outside the Kangaroo Island Marine Clinic sign.

Elsie’s Colour for Cancer

“My dear friend Mos was diagnosed with rectal cancer around the same time that I was diagnosed with Stage 3 bowel cancer (at the …
Learn more
Bowel Cancer News
A person sprays water on green plants in a field, with sunlight creating a mist effect around them.

Epigenetic fingerprint ties pesticide to early-onset bowel cancer

A new culprit – pesticide exposure – has emerged alongside known risk factors smoking and diet as a possible contributor to the rising incidence …
Learn more
A crystal award labeled "2019 AC&E Awards brought to you by ADMA" next to a black card with "AC&EAMY AWARDS."

Timeline of events & achievements

Bowel Cancer Australia is the trusted national voice on bowel cancer, championing what matters most to people affected by bowel cancer.

Over the past two decades, advancements have occurred in prevention, detection, research, and treatment of bowel cancer, and with your support, Bowel Cancer Australia has played a leading role.

Our Achievements