Personal stories of those affected by bowel cancer

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

I have a great appreciation for my scars – they’re beautiful proof that I am alive and I’m here.

Thankfully it turned out to be a small tumour with 85% chance of cure.

Anne is a GP, mother and she was diagnosed with bowel cancer at 34-years-old.

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

To put it into perspective, a month after visiting my G.P, I was being discharged from hospital.

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

I was fortunate that my GP was thorough and followed up on my test results.

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

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

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

I personally think the biggest challenge in cancer is the mental battle, not the physical one.

Bart’s is an encouraging story of the benefits of acting on the first signs of bowel cancer.

Kia Ora my name is Suzanne. I was diagnosed at 46 with Bowel Cancer in October 2006.

In April 2016 Renee underwent surgery to remove a tumour from her bowel.

My story with bowel cancer started when my Nana died from it when I was a young girl.

Even though I only had 40% chance of surviving, I thought those were pretty good odds.

I switched into how do I make this journey my journey.

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

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

 Don't be afraid to see your doctor if you have any symptoms that are worrying you.

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

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

It is two years since I lost my best friend. I try to really live, and to count my blessings.

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

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

My husband was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer at just 42 years old, on our youngest child’s birthday.

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

Life was trucking along beautifully in August 2015. I’d established my own business.

I found out in the middle of December 2017 I have stage 4 bowel cancer.

I wish there was more awareness of how bowel cancer affects younger people.

Despite displaying all of the symptoms of bowel cancer, I was put in the box of “young, fit and healthy”.

Paddy describes bowel cancer symptoms and urges us to see our GP to discuss such symptoms.

Ron was diagnosed with bowel cancer at 50 and had no symptoms despite a family history.

'My advice is if you’re worried about your symptoms, even if they seem minor, see your GP'.

We’re all working to make sure that bowel cancer is something Kiwis can talk about.

In the last 20 years, no new drugs have been approved in New Zealand specifically for bowel cancer.

Paddy describes bowel cancer symptoms and urges us to see our GP to discuss such symptoms.

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

Even though I only had 40% chance of surviving, I thought those were pretty good odds.