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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.

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Specialist support

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

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Peer-to-peer network

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

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The Movement

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

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Meaningful Movement

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

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BottomLine Podcast

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

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Free patient resources

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

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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.

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Call on Canberra

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

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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. 

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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

Community Loved One
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Jan W and the Wantima Country Club

“The Ladies Annual Cancer Charity Golf Day was held at Wantima Country Club  under blue skies and near perfect course conditions. A field of …
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In Memory
A man in an orange and black KTM shirt stands smiling, with a desert backdrop and vehicles in the distance.

Mark E – Riding the Finke

“Well, I survived the Finke desert race and was very brutal, but I smashed it. I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported …
Learn more
A woman sits on grass with two children, one on her lap and one beside her, all smiling in a sunny outdoor setting.

Jessica K’s story

In September 2017, I was woken in the middle of the night with intense, burning abdominal cramps. My immediate concern was for my baby. …
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Bowel Cancer News
A hand is placing a "Home Test Kit" into a mailbox with a blurred background of green trees.

National Bowel Cancer Screening Program turns 20 – participation rates languish

According to the latest AIHW National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) Monitoring Report 2026 , Program participation for eligible people aged 50-74 between 1 …
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Bowel Cancer News
UNWAVERING CHAMPIONS FOR CHANGE Bowel Cancer Australia 25 YEARS

Unwavering champions for change

For more than 25 years the team at Bowel Cancer Australia and our amazing community of donors, fundraisers, advocates, volunteers, patrons and supporters have …
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Company
A puppy leans over a toilet next to a Kleenex box promoting bowel cancer awareness.

Break the poo taboo

Kleenex® is partnering with Bowel Cancer Australia to transform the humble loo roll into a bowel cancer awareness game-changer, because there’s nothing taboo about …
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Bowel Cancer News
Fruzaqla logo with the name in blue and the drug name "fruquintinib" in purple beneath it.

Fruzaqla listed on the PBS

Bowel Cancer Australia welcomes the listing of fruquintinib (Fruzaqla) on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 1 May 2026. This treatment option is for …
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Bowel Cancer News
Logo of Cancer Australia Research Initiative with a colorful geometric design.

Early-onset bowel cancer research grant awarded

Congratulations to A/Prof Daniel Buchanan and his research team on securing a $2.5 million grant to investigate the increasing incidence of Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer …
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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