1800 727 336
Fundraise Donate

Break the poo taboo

Poo taboo

Know the
red flag signs
& symptoms

Talk to your GP

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?
An anatomical illustration of a human torso with the intestines highlighted in red and a tumor indicated.

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
A display box for ColoVantage home bowel screening tests with cheerful images of people and informational text.
Blurred image of a hospital waiting area with people seated and a reception desk in the foreground.

Bowel cancer is the fourth most common type of newly diagnosed cancer and second deadliest in Australia.

Map of Australia with the text
14904
Australians are told they have bowel cancer each year
5372
lives lost to bowel cancer each year
99 %
of cases can be treated successfully when detected in the earliest stage
163000
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.

Five women in green polo shirts smiling together, with the text "We're here for you" above them.
Specialist support

Our essential support services uniquely designed for bowel cancer patients via our confidential Helpline with specialist telehealth support.

Learn More
Three people sit at a table in a bright café, engaged in conversation and smiling, with coffee cups nearby.
Peer-to-peer network

Australia’s only national support group for bowel cancer patients – newly diagnosed, living with or beyond bowel cancer.

Learn More
A collage of diverse individuals smiling, engaging in various activities, and posing in different settings.
The Movement

Our nurse moderated Facebook Group, with monthly expert guests, is a place to connect with other patients and share lived experiences.

Learn More
Black athletic shoes and a dumbbell on a wooden floor, with text promoting wellness and Bowel Cancer Australia.
Meaningful Movement

Our closed personal trainer guided Facebook Group to assist patients seeking to prioritise exercise alongside treatment.

Learn More
A close-up of a woman smiling near a microphone and laptop in a casual workspace.
BottomLine Podcast

Our monthly podcast sharing stories, lived experiences and health professional knowledge about bowel cancer treatment and care.

Learn More
A collection of informational brochures about bowel cancer, featuring various images and titles related to support and treatment.
Free patient resources

Covering all aspects of bowel cancer: prevention, early detection, diagnosis, surgery, treatment, and adjusting to the ‘new’ normal.

Learn More
Four people are seated around a table, smiling and engaged in conversation, with laptops and drinks present.
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.

Learn More
A group of people in red shirts stands in front of a building, raising their arms in support of bowel cancer awareness.
Call on Canberra

Our Never2Young Advocacy Agenda seeks to improve care experiences and health outcomes for younger people.

Learn More
A plate of stuffed bell peppers in red, yellow, and orange, garnished with parsley and topped with green onions.
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. 

Learn More
A group of people in red shirts with "N2Y NEVER TOO YOUNG" text pose with arms raised in front of a government building.

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

Bowel Cancer News
A woman with long black hair smiles, wearing a dark uniform with "ICON" and a name badge, against a purple background.

Cancer care grounded in respect and authenticity

Every day, Specialist Bowel Care Nurse, Jamie Linich supports patients through some of life’s toughest challenges. Working with patients from diagnosis to treatment and …
Learn more
Bowel Cancer News
A nurse in a blue uniform smiles outdoors, promoting "Driving hope for bowel cancer patients."

Driving hope for bowel cancer patients

With bowel cancer diagnoses continuing to rise across the Loddon Mallee region, particularly for early onset (people aged under 50 years), Bendigo Health is …
Learn more
Kick Ass
A woman with long hair and glasses smiles while sitting in a medical chair, with an IV line visible on her chest.

Chloe G’s story

At the age of 33 years old in March 2020 my world came crashing down. I was diagnosed with Stage 4 bowel cancer which …
Learn more
Kick Ass
A smiling woman with curly hair sits at a table, holding a phone, in a cozy restaurant setting with wooden decor.

Anita G’s story

I was a very fit and healthy 47-year-old who never showed any symptoms of cancer. Nothing at all. I had my life in front …
Learn more
Community Never 2 Young
A woman holds a smiling poop emoji toy, smiling at the camera against a neutral background.

Danielle D and the Endoscopy CNCs RDPRH

“I chose to take part in the Bowel Cancer Awareness Month fundraiser because bowel cancer can affect people much younger than many realise. I …
Learn more
A crystal award labeled "2019 AC&E Awards brought to you by ADMA" next to a black card with "AC&EAMY AWARDS."

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