Personal stories of those affected by bowel cancer

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

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

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

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

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

Battling this cancer has been a struggle. I need unfunded drugs, I'm now trying to buy more time with my

A couple of thousand dollars cost to personally fund a colonoscopy is a small price to pay for an early

"My name is Nicola and I was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic bowel cancer last year, at 43..."

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

I'll never forget Heath's reply…' But you can fix it, right?' All the colour drained from the room and from

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

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

"After my diagnosis, my GP called me... 'I'm sorry, cancer never crossed my mind because of your age.'"

"It was a slow process getting my diagnosis as I waited far too long to get seen..."

I am a busy and active Mum of two toddlers and receiving a Bowel Cancer diagnosis in early 2023 was

My second child was 18 months old and my first visit to the GP I was told, “I was a

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 diagnosed with Stage 3 Colon Cancer 4 years ago. What followed was a year long rollercoaster ride of

I was 37 when I was diagnosed - our children were 5 and 7, and our village enveloped us in

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

“Please don’t ignore symptoms."

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

I was diagnosed with Bowel Cancer back in 2016 when I was 36 years old. I'd been having mild symptoms

I was 34 with two very young daughters when I was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer, after intense stomach

When someone says life is too short, treat every day like it’s your last. Maybe we should.

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

I started needing to move my bowels several times a day and to the point of urgency...

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

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

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

A massive stage 3 tumour was discovered with surgery 4 weeks later. If it wasn’t for my doctor...

I think because I have always been "too young" to get bowel cancer, they never thought to check.

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

"What is harder than cancer? Having to tell your loved ones that you have cancer..."

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.

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

"Cancer doesn’t discriminate—it can affect anyone. You have no choice but to go with the flow and take it one

They say hindsight is a great thing and that is true. I now realise I was showing signs something wasn't

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

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

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.

I experienced some family stress almost 5 years ago so I decided to visit my GP for a check.

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

"Two weeks after competing in a 160km Ultramarathon, I was diagnosed with bowel cancer. I've been an athlete pretty much

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

Never in my mind did I ever think I would ever get cancer.

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

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

"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.

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

My cancer has taken away from me many things, but I have gained tremendous support from my family and friends.

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

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

Having made it past 60 relatively unscathed I had no real concerns with my health...

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

"There are so many things I wish I had done differently, but it was very challenging being the primary caregiver,

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

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

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

"Dan started getting some pains before and after using the loo about a year ago, he didn't think anything of

My husband Willy, 35-years young, was the most genuine man you could ever meet, a real family man and friend

My husband Cliff was 41 when finally diagnosed. He had been fobbed off for about 18 months being told he

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

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

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

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

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

A couple of thousand dollars cost to personally fund a colonoscopy is a small price to pay for an early

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

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

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

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

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

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...

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

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