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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.

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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

Early-Onset
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Kate L’s story

I lost my mum to a brain tumour eight years ago when she was in her 50s. I did think that watching her deteriorate …
Learn more
Lived experience
A woman in sunglasses smiles in front of a red pagoda with mountains in the background.

Melinda T’s story

Melinda, diagnosed at age 26. NSW. At 21 years old, I first noticed blood in my stools and sought advice from two different GP’s. …
Learn more
In Memory Loved One
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Chris W’s story in memory of her daughter Alexandra

In loving memory of  Alexandra (Zandie) Hearns 14/04/1986- 19/7/2019. Our beautiful daughter (33 years of age) lived in Sydney and had symptoms of lethargy, …
Learn more
Community
Two runners, a man with gray hair and a woman in a purple tank top, smile at a race event with city buildings in the background.

Madeline and Dave – 2026 TCS Sydney Marathon

“On August 30, we are running Sydney Marathon aiming to raise $1,000 for Bowel Cancer Australia. This cause is important to both of us. …
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Community
A group of eight people in blue shirts with "N2Y" logo, standing and sitting on a porch with greenery in the background.

Macy B – 2026 City-Bay Fun Run

“This year, our family and friends are taking part in the City – Bay Fun Run, in memory of my cousin, Jeremy, who sadly …
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Bowel Cancer News
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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 …
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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
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