Bowel Cancer Awareness Month
April is Bowel Cancer Awareness month. Whether you are directly affected by bowel cancer, or you just want to find out more, we have information that can help. There are also lots of ways to help raise awareness of bowel cancer.
"You're waving your little flag saying, 'I need some help here.' And then Macmillan comes." - Thom, diagnosed with colon cancer
What is bowel cancer?
Bowel cancer, which includes colon and rectal cancer, is one of the most common cancers in the UK. It is mostly diagnosed in people over 60, but can be diagnosed in younger people.
The bowel is part of the digestive system and is divided into the small and large bowel. Cancer can affect both areas of the bowel.
Doctors do not know the exact causes of bowel cancer, but there are risk factors that can increases your chance of developing it.
Thom's story
In the video below, Thom talks about being diagnosed with colon cancer at 27 and how, with the help of Denise and the staff at the Mustard Tree Centre, he was able to get back on his feet.
Now he's decided to give something back by raising money to fund Macmillan's vital services.
Read more from Thom about his diagnosis.
Support for people living with bowel cancer
Information on our website
We have information about bowel cancer in different languages and formats on our website, which includes the different types and signs and symptoms for colon cancer, rectal cancer, anal cancer, small bowel cancer and anorectal melanoma cancer.
We also have information about treatment for bowel cancer and the impact of cancer and its treatments.
Alternatively, download our booklets for anal cancer, colon cancer and rectal cancer.
You can also listen to our audiobooks for colon cancer and rectal cancer.
Accessing Macmillan services
Call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, open 7 days a week 8am to 8pm. Or email the Macmillan Support Line.
Apply for a Macmillan Grant. These are small, one-off means-tested payments to help with the extra costs that living with cancer can bring.
The Raising Your Voice toolkit is there to help everyone who is living with cancer get equal healthcare.
Use our get support guide by answering some quick questions to get information tailored to you or your loved one's situation.
Find out more about how Macmillan can help.
Bowel cancer support groups
We can help you find support in your local area, so you can speak to people who understand what you or your loved are going through.
The bowel cancer forum on our Online Community is a place to chat to others who know what you or your loved one are going through.
Ways to help during bowel cancer awareness month
Macmillan is here for everybody living with cancer, with our specialist information, support and services. But we couldn't do it without our incredible supporters. Here are a few ways you can get involved.
When you are part of cancer voices, you can get involved in a variety of projects and events.
Campaign with us to make sure people living with cancer have their voices heard.
Whether you prefer an adrenaline rush or a caffeine rush we've got an event to suit you.