EDUCATION
You’re never too young to get bowel cancer.
Bowel cancer isn’t just an ‘old person’s’ disease – around 30 Kiwis aged 50 or younger are diagnosed with bowel cancer every month. No matter what your age, if things don’t feel right, don’t sit on your symptoms – see a doctor.
Anyone can get bowel cancer, at any age.
Every year, over 3,000 Kiwis are diagnosed with this silent killer, including around 350 people under the age of 50. If you’re worried, you’re never too young to get checked.
Bowel cancer is on the rise in New Zealand
Bowel cancer is increasing in younger people
And it’s not always picked up. Many younger Kiwis have symptoms for months or years before being diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer.
Bowel cancer doesn’t discriminate
Bowel cancer can affect anyone, at any age. Men are slightly more at risk, but women of all ages can get it too.
1 in 9 Kiwis diagnosed are under 50
Every year, around 350 Kiwis under 50 are diagnosed with bowel cancer – which is way too many of us, way too young.
The bottom line is… you need to know the symptoms.
You’re never too young to get your symptoms checked.
No one ever died of embarrassment, but you can die of bowel cancer.
If you have any concerns about your bowel habits, talk to your GP or healthcare professional straight away.
What are the symptoms?
Just diagnosed?
Is it genetic?
How can I reduce my risk?
You’re not alone – we’re here to help.
Online support
Our website has plenty of resources, including treatment options, risk factors, tips for prevention and a comprehensive service directory.
Closed Facebook group
Our private Facebook group is a supportive forum where you can talk with others going through similar experiences.
Nurse support service
Our registered nurse can answer any questions about your diagnosis, and help you navigate your treatment path.
Help support someone
Check out our resource toolkit to help you support someone with bowel cancer, or to raise awareness and spread the word.
Healthy eating guide
A handy guide with practical advice on nutrition, food choices and meal planning to help improve your recovery and health.
Personal stories
Read the stories of other young people with bowel cancer, how they coped with their diagnosis, and what helped them through their journey.
Personal stories: too many, too young.
Read the stories of some of the many Kiwis whose lives have been affected by bowel cancer. No matter what their age, we believe they were all too young.
#nevertooyoung #getchecked #beatbowelcancer
