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’s Peer-to-Peer Support Network is a voluntary community of people affected by bowel cancer, whether personally or via a family member.
It is Australia’s only national support group for bowel cancer patients, newly diagnosed, living with or beyond bowel cancer, and their loved ones. Including young families and partners, women diagnosed during pregnancy, siblings and parents with children that have been diagnosed with early-onset bowel cancer.
Through the support network, we aim to put people in touch with each other – matching them by age, gender, region and their stage of bowel cancer and treatment pathway.
Peer-to-peer support aims to connect people with others in a similar situation to talk about a challenge, experience or role that they have in common without fear of being judged.
Bowel Cancer Australia’s Peer-to-Peer Support Network connects patients and loved ones on a one-to-one buddy basis that enables members to give and receive guidance about their bowel cancer experience in an informal and mutually beneficial way.
The Network helps to reduce feelings of isolation and allows buddies to learn first-hand from the experiences of someone in a very similar circumstance as the guidance is not theoretical, but practical, personal, and relevant.
The Network is informal, and members can be as involved as their time and lifestyle allow, in a variety of ways –
Contact details of matched members are then provided, enabling buddies to contact each other at mutually convenient times.
Talking to another member who has been through bowel cancer, or who is going through a similar situation, can be enormously valuable and reassuring.
Bowel Cancer Australia’s Peer-to-Peer Support Network is supported by our Bowel Care Nurses.
If you are a patient or loved one and would like to join Bowel Cancer Australia’s Peer-to-Peer Support Network, please complete the form below.
1800 727 336
Monday to Friday, during business hours
Other languages – call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 13 14 50 then ask for 1800 727 336 Hearing or speech assistance – contact us through the National Relay Service then ask for 1800 727 336