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.
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.
Patient-centred care is healthcare that is respectful of, and responsive to, the preferences, needs and values of patients and consumers.
Bowel Cancer Australia provides essential support services uniquely designed for bowel cancer patients via our confidential Helpline with specialist telehealth support, as well as a national Peer-to-Peer Support Network and Buddy Program.
Bowel Cancer Australia funds research that has the potential to improve survival and/or help build a path toward a cure and integrates published research into our awareness, advocacy, and support strategies.
Bowel Cancer Australia relies upon donations and the support of hard working and enthusiastic fundraisers across the country to continue our life saving work. We raise funds to continue our life-saving work and inspire others to do the same, so everyone affected by bowel cancer can live their best life.
Bowel Cancer Australia is dedicated to championing what matters most to people impacted by bowel cancer and empowering everyone affected to live their best life.
We are committed to challenging perceptions, overcoming barriers, and creating meaningful change across the care continuum through advocacy, awareness, and integrated research to improve access to personalised treatments and patient-centred care.
Since 2011, Bowel Cancer Australia has provided a well-established national specialist telehealth support service tailored to the unique needs of people impacted by bowel cancer through our Bowel Care Nurses, Nutritionists, and Psychosocial support services as well as our Peer-to-Peer and The Movement support programs.
Campaigns and initiatives such as Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, BowelScreen Australia, Call on Canberra, Early-Onset Research Symposium, and resources including The Bottom Line Podcast, #Never2Young CPD Series, and bowelprep.au raise awareness among health professionals and the community about the importance of early detection and intervention in the successful treatment of bowel cancer.
A world-first in 2016 saw Bowel Cancer Australia co-sponsored a global collaboration of health professionals, researchers, clinicians and more than 200 patient advocates to share their lived experience of bowel cancer, and their perspectives on their treatment and management, to help shape a global standard in care.
In 2018, the charity realised a long-term goal, the establishment of the $10.4 million Lawrence Penn Chair of Bowel Cancer Research at the University of Sydney, in perpetuity.
Bowel Cancer Australia was named Best Small Charity of the Year 2019 at the national Third Sector Awards in recognition of its contribution to the third sector in a meaningful and impactful way that produces measurable benefits.
The charity’s strong, clear and purposeful vision and mission; engagement of stakeholders through innovative and unique marketing initiatives; impactful collaborations that drive organisational purpose; and design of solutions based on system-level change, were all cited as reasons why it was chosen as the inaugural recipient.
In recognition of excellence in commitment and success in a health-focused mission, Bowel Cancer Australia was awarded NGO of the Year at the 2017 PRIME Annual Awards. Nomination and selection of a winner for the award was made by members of the healthcare industry, who gather each year to recognise the best and most effective work in Australian healthcare and pharmaceuticals.
This is the third time Bowel Cancer Australia has been recognised by PRIME for excellence. In 2016, Bowel Cancer Australia was honoured for Excellence in Patient/Customer Support, following the release of the bowel cancer app. In 2014, the charity received the Corporate Social Responsibility Award for the My Cancer My Voice campaign.
In 2024 the Australian Government engaged Bowel Cancer Australia to leverage and expand the Charity’s specialist telehealth services through the Australian Cancer Nursing and Navigation Program (ACNNP).
Determined to create positive change across the care continuum, Bowel Cancer Australia continues to lead the call for a lower screening start age; timely access to colonoscopy; increased availability of affordable treatment options; implementation of patient-reported measures; as well as investment to reduce the rates of early-onset bowel cancer.
Bowel Cancer Australia is grateful to the many supporters who do a fantastic job in raising funds, and we are also indebted to our patrons, volunteers, donors and corporate partners, all of whom provide invaluable support for our work.
Bowel Cancer Australia makes meaningful change across the care continuum through –
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.
Bowel Cancer Australia is fortunate to enjoy philanthropic support from two leading businessmen.
Their support, complemented by community and corporate fundraising, provides the financial base necessary for Bowel Cancer Australia’s advocacy, awareness, support and research activities.
Mr Penn’s father, Lawrence, was diagnosed with bowel cancer 35 years ago The cancer was detected and treated early through surgery and his father continued to enjoy an active, healthy retirement until his passing at age 98.
As a result of his family’s experience, Mr Penn became a supporter of Bowel Cancer Australia.
In 2007, The Penn Foundation helped launch Bowel Cancer Australia’s fundraising appeal to establish an inaugural endowed chair of bowel cancer research, with a $1 million funding commitment. In recognition of the Penn family’s generosity, the position was named the Lawrence Penn Chair of Bowel Cancer Research.
As a result of his personal bowel cancer experience, Mr Triguboff recognised the need for ongoing awareness, education and research. He has generously sponsored community bowel cancer prevention programs.
In recent years, Mr Triguboff agreed to become Patron of the Bowel Cancer Foundation and subsequently Bowel Cancer Australia following the merger of awareness and education activities of the two respective charities.
Our Board is responsible for strategic decision and governance of Bowel Cancer Australia.
As is common with most charities, Directors are volunteers who give a considerable amount of time, energy, ideas and enthusiasm to the charity free of charge.
Bowel Cancer Australia’s current Directors come from a diverse range of backgrounds and bring a wealth of skills, experience and expertise.
Left to right – Craig Jackson, Chairman; David Gardiner, Director; Penelope Morris AM, Director; Gavin Fox-Smith, Director; A/Prof Graham Newstead AM, Medical Director; Heidi Riddell, Director; Julien Wiggins, CEO & Executive Director; Brian McFadyen, Chairman Emeritus
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.