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Bowel cancer

the deadliest cancer for people aged 25-44

Early-onset bowel cancer

Bowel prep

essential for an accurate colonoscopy

Visit bowelprep.au

Our essential support services

uniquely designed for you

Support for You

From 1 July 2024

Opt-in to screen for people aged 45-49

National Bowel Cancer Screening Program

#Never2Young

CPD Series for healthcare professionals

#Never2Young CPD Series

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?

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

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

14534
Australians are told they have bowel cancer each year
5276
lives lost to bowel cancer each year
99 %
of cases can be treated successfully when detected in the earliest stage
160000
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.

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.

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Meaningful Movement

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

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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.

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Call on Canberra

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

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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. 

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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

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Brendan’s story

Over Christmas – New Year of 2022 I decided to donate blood. Went through the pre-screening and got told I couldn’t donate because I …
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Jamie’s story

At age 37 for between 6 to 8 weeks starting early until the middle of September 2020 I was suffering extreme fatigue in which …
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Andrew’s story

So where to begin…. My name is Andrew, and I started my cancer story back in 2022 when I was 36 years old. I …
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Daron’s story

I’d had my head up my arse for too long. At least a year, maybe four. I ignored the symptoms, made excuses and sucked …
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Greg’s story

In January 2024 I was diagnosed with Stage 3 bowel cancer, after experiencing minimal symptoms. In early December 2023, and a couple of days …
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Supporters in Action

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney Housekeeping Staff

“Just a quick good news story. Our Housekeeping Team organised a very successful fundraiser for Bowel Cancer Australia during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. Many …
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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