Personal stories of those affected by bowel cancer

"I was 32 when I was diagnosed .It was a slow process getting my diagnosis..."

I’m a 'half full' kind of guy... holding on to what the Dr said, “it looked early, I had a

There's a saying "Life begins at 40" but for me it was very nearly the end of my life. Not

Life was trucking along beautifully. I was 39, fit, healthy. Then I read a story about a woman’s diagnosis with

I went to the GP requesting a full check-up and specially requested a Bowel Screening Kit. The test came back

Dr Anne Mathieson is a 36-year old GP and bowel cancer survivor - offering a unique perspective as a medical

I had been having blood in my stool for about a year before my diagnosis. When I first noticed the

If you are wondering whether to get that 'little symptom' checked or not - go to your GP!

“I am ALIVE and I am so very grateful for that and that I got to beat this."

"At 24 weeks pregnant I was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer..."

“Please don’t ignore symptoms."

"[This] photo was nearly 5 years after my surgery and felt like the start of my post-cancer journey."

Everywhere I have been, the recurring theme is that I’m just too young. But I’m hearing of more young people

I just want to make sure that anybody that has the symptoms – please get them checked, I didn’t, don’t

I noticed blood intermittently for three weeks before going to the doctor.

I was 31 when diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer, and 5 months pregnant with my second IVF baby.

"It’s that little bit of laughter that gets us through the toughest times."

When I turned to flush I noticed something in my poop that looked like dark red lines...

Stefan was 47 when he was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer.

Nothing could prepare me for the journey that I’ve taken over the last 18 months.

I was by myself with the surgeon when I was diagnosed... my cancer was caused by a mutated gene...

"I was diagnosed in November 2021 with stage 3 sigmoid colon cancer. My children were 6, 4 and 3."

"This disease doesn't discriminate whether you are young or old...There's always hope. Remember, every storm eventually runs out of rain."

The colonoscopist was like, “everything is pretty good, but THAT shouldn’t be there."

Some days I take optimistic steps forward, some days I retreat in fear. I miss my life pre-cancer.

“If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts – keep pushing until you get answers.”

“It’s more common than you think – don’t brush it off as something that only happens to older people.”

Bowel cancer never occurred to me even once in that time, I was only 34 and with no risk factors.

"The support from Bowel Cancer NZ has been amazing! I've referred to the website so many times and continue to.”

I should have seen my Dr about it a long time ago, but I was naive and thought it was

My sister was staying with us, saying I had to go to the doctor cos I was in so much

"I am 42 years old, with two kids (11 and 13) who very much still need their mum..."

We really hope my journey can inspire others battling this dreaded disease to step out with a positive mindset.

It’s a scary thing to be told you have Cancer. I was 44, owned a busy cafe, I was a

I have become circumspect about the whole thing. I just think it is what it is and I just have

I was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer aged 29. Cancer is never a straight journey - it's filled with

After my diagnosis, all I really wanted was to hear the experiences of women just like me - so here’s

Because I was in my late 30s, I went through a drawn-out process and delays.

I’m getting back to feeling full of life after radiation, chemo & losing 60cm of my plumbing... your bum is

"Diagnosis was complicated by pregnancy, recovery from a caesarean and life with 2 full on boys..."

"Without chemo my oncologist gave me 10% chance of survival. With chemo, a 30% chance..."

I’m a singer who writes nice, thoughtful songs. But cancer isn’t polite or thoughtful, it doesn’t worry about offending anyone.

"I'm telling my story to help others, and to encourage anyone who has the opportunity to get screened."

"If I had not done the FIT [the bowel screening] test in January I would not have realised I had

"Yes, my life changed... but there’s always golden moments. We bought a campervan and enjoy that and every day I

If having cancer has taught me anything, it's forging through. I've done things that I never thought I'd do.

I take life a day at a time and make it my priority to find joy every day.

My story is a recollection of my cancer journey which is raw, thought provoking, distressing, educational and yet humorous.

Back from the brink. Get checked at the first miniscule inkling that something may be amiss.

I am well and encouraged by my follow up care, it is now all behind me.

Never let the fear of cancer stop you finding out if you have it or not. Finding out early really

"I had no symptoms...How could this be so? I was carrying these nasty passengers without any awareness of illness"

John had turned 67, retired and was happily setting up a small part time financial advisory service.

"In Feb this year, I enjoyed walking 73.5kms of the Queen Charlotte Track. In April, I got a shock diagnosis

"... In my mind cancer was a death sentence. Which of course it wasn’t because I am still here, alive

I had noticed blood in my stool and went to doctor who referred me for colonoscopy, I had cancer, it

"It started as any other year, that was until things got real. As far as it’s my story it’s really

Even though I was well aware of our family history, I went through life trying to avoid thinking about it.

Bike To Fight. He is not only my dad he is also my best mate.

My wife Dominique will always be remembered as a loving mother who gave everything of herself.

Our ambassador Jenny-May Clarkson shares how her brother's death from bowel cancer affected her family.

"I would not wish this on any family, and hope these stories can help someone to have the courage to

My husband was diagnosed after repeatedly being fobbed off by the GP.

"I felt now was the time to take that step and contribute to this worthy cause".

Ryan was only 22 when he was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer, being told “you are far too young”.

No one deserves to die of Bowel Cancer. Everyone deserves time, dignity and hope.

Dad won't ever get to meet any grandchildren or walk my sister down the aisle.

Patrick's daughter Rachel didn’t know anything about bowel cancer until it struck her family twice.

Anna was fit and healthy and didn’t think she fitted the profile of a bowel cancer patient.

Jonny had always been fit and healthy. He ate well, exercises, and looks after himself.

I was active and health conscious, and I turned to Dr Google when I thought my symptoms were down to

Our ambassador Jenny-May Clarkson shares how her brother's death from bowel cancer affected her family.

Only 10% of bowel cancer is inherited, so the way you live does have an impact says Professor Frizelle who

If you’re concerned about your doctor’s diagnosis, keep going back or get a second opinion.

"I had no symptoms...How could this be so? I was carrying these nasty passengers without any awareness of illness"

“If it wasn’t for BCNZ I wouldn’t be here – simple as that.”

I just want to make sure that anybody that has the symptoms – please get them checked, I didn’t, don’t

When I turned to flush I noticed something in my poop that looked like dark red lines...

"This disease doesn't discriminate whether you are young or old...There's always hope. Remember, every storm eventually runs out of rain."

[The Doctor] said I was so anemic she was surprised I was conscious and able to function... So began Bowel

I noticed blood intermittently for three weeks before going to the doctor.