Bowel cancer rates doubled in young Australians 20-29 years and are up by 35% in 30-39 year olds over the two decades between 1990 and 2010.

 

You have bowel cancer - four words you don't expect to hear when you're young. Yet each year over 1,000 young Australians do.

Download or order your free Never Too Young downloadable brochures and factsheets 

Bowel Cancer Australia has released a new infographic highlighting the most common genetic causes of bowel cancer, to coincide with the annual Christmas in July campaign.

 

Many of our Bowel Cancer patients and loved ones choose to share their story to help raise awareness of bowel cancer and to provide support to others who may be experiencing a similar situation.

 

WATCH: Young Survivors Andrew (22), Darren (46), Gemma (25), Hollie (24), Jess (29), Michelle (34), Tom (29) and Steph (28) share their stories for Young Survivors Week.

In their own words, each shares their personal story and experiences with bowel cancer. Plus their inspiring 'piece of advice' for other young people.

Helping to raise much needed awareness that you're never too young to have bowel cancer, and offering invaluable support to other young people affected by the disease through shared experiences.

Thank you all for sharing you stories.

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.

 

Bowel Cancer Australia's Bowel Care Nurses support bowel cancer patients and their families by phone and email.

 

The latest bowel cancer news from around the world for all early onset of bowel cancer stories.

You can make a difference 

An international week dedicated to honouring people who have been diagnosed with bowel cancer under the age of 50. Share photos and stories to raise community awareness of bowel cancer and provide support to young people diagnosed with the disease.

Young Australians diagnosed with bowel cancer - the Australia's second biggest cancer killer - are unaware about their risk and are diagnosed too late, according to a new Bowel Cancer Australia released today.

 

Interim results from the Never Too Young patient survey, the first-of-its-kind on early-onset bowel cancer, also found that more than half of patients were first diagnosed with stage III or IV or the disease.

 

The Never Too Young survey revealed that almost a third surveyed waited three months or more to seek medical advice, despite experiencing tell-tale symptoms such as blood in the bowel movement or abdominal pain. 

Young Survivors Week is an international initiative honouring people who have been diagnosed with young-onset bowel cancer, and are now living with or beyond bowel cancer.

 

The Never Too Young Coalition is a group of medical professionals, patient advocacy organisations, cancer survivors and caregivers working to educate the public about the growing issue of bowel cancer diagnoses in younger people and reduce the number of late stage young-onset cases.

 

Founded by the Colon Cancer Alliance, the Coalition brings together likeminded organisations from the United States of America, United Kingdom (Bowel Cancer UK) and Bowel Cancer Australia

In the era of personalised medicines and oral chemotherapy taken at home, Bowel Cancer Australia is getting Aussies ready for the future of patient care with a new bowel cancer app.

 

Bowel Cancer Australia chief executive Mr Julien Wiggins said the days of the passive patient are long gone.

 

Are you a young bowel cancer patient or survivor?

 

If you were diagnosed with bowel cancer in your 20s, 30s or 40s Bowel Cancer Australia wants to hear from you.

 

Complete our confidential ‪Never Too Young‬ survey and help ‪us advocate for everyone affected by bowel cancer.