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This is what bowel cancer looks like

Help Us Kick Bowel Cancer's Butt

BE BOLD

for bowel cancer

Be Bold

Our specialist support services

We’re here for you

Support for You

Break the taboo

Check your poo

Break the poo taboo

#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

Kick Ass

Tamara’s story

My story started with food poisoning which lasted two weeks. I had seen the doctor a few times and then discovered I had a …
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Kick Ass

Tahnee’s story

When I was 36 I was experiencing lower abdominal pain, I asked my GP if we could investigate. I am a Nurse and initially …
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Kick Ass

Kaia’s story

12 months ago today…. ‘Happy Arsesaversary’. June 14th, 2023 was the date and day that change me and my family forever… I was diagnosed …
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Kick Ass

Claire’s story

I found out I had bowel cancer on January 7th 2025 after a scope/colonoscopy. I had been suffering with upper abdomen pain since June …
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Kick Ass

Maree’s story

I’m celebrating two years since Abdominal Perineal Reconstruction VRAM flap surgery on 13 February 2020, my 54th birthday. All is well and all is …
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Kick Ass

Natalie’s story

Kicking Ass for Women: My Stage 4 Bowel Cancer Story I was 43, a busy single mum juggling life, work, and everything in between. …
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Kick Ass

Larissa’s story

It was in late 2023 when I started noticing some blood in my stools. I initially brushed it off thinking it would go away …
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Kick Ass

Cherie’s story

Prior to my diagnosis of Stage 4 bowel cancer in 2022, I ignored symptoms for at least 4-5 years. Blood in stools, wildly varied …
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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