Living with bowel cancer
We understand it can be very difficult coping with a diagnosis of bowel cancer, both practically and emotionally. At first, you are likely to feel upset, frightened and confused, or you may feel that things are out of your control. Help is on hand.
It is very important to get the right information about your condition and how it is best treated. Well informed people are more able to make decisions and cope with what happens.
There is incredible help available: please see our A to Z of further support, where you can find out more about the opportunities available. Each offers advice to support you emotionally, practically, financially, physically and includes factors such as employment, diet and living with a colostomy bag should you need one.
Remaining positive is one of the best things you can do to ease the burden on you. You’ll realise that you’re not alone and there are lots of fantastic people out there who will do all they can to assist you.
A to Z of further support
We hope you’ll be comforted to know that there is a lot of free support out there for patients, friends and family of bowel cancer sufferers.
Click on the name to go directly to appropriate website to find further information and contact details:
ACAS
Support and advice for employers and employees involved in disputes at work.
Beating Bowel Cancer
Support and advice for people affected by bowel cancer.
Bladder and Bowel Foundation
Support and advice for people with bladder and bowel control problems.
Bowel Screening Wales
Provides information about bowel cancer and bowel cancer screening in Wales.
Bowel Cancer UK
UK-wide charity offering awareness support, training and research on bowel cancer.
Cancer Research UK
Information for people affected by all types of cancer. Speak to a nurse for advice and support
Carer’s Trust
Information, advice and practical support to all carers across the UK. Services such as complementary therapies, training courses, and information on benefits and counselling may be available in your area.
Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
Website includes information on physiotherapy and cancer.
Citizens Advice
Free, confidential advice on money, work and housing.
Colostomy Association
Support, reassurance and information to anyone who needs or currently uses a colostomy.
Cornwall Bowel Cancer Support Group
Support group for people suffering from bowel cancer, and their families, run by people who have or have gone through the disease.
Daisy Network
Provides support and information for women who have experienced a premature menopause.
FAP Gene Support
Group
Provides information for people affected by FAP which causes hundreds or thousands of small polyps to grow in the large bowel.
Healthtalk.org
Watch online videos of people sharing their stories about health issues including bowel cancer.
Healthy working Lives
Free, confidential advice on a wide range of workplace health issues.
Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority
Information on fertility clinics
IA (Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Support Group)
A support group run by and for people with ileostomies and internal pouches.
Infertility Network UK
Support, information and advice on fertility and NHS funding.
Lynch Syndrome UK
Raises awareness of Lynch syndrome and provides information and support.
Macmillan Cancer Support
Provides information and support for people with cancer including advice on finance, work, treatment and coping with cancer.
Maggie’s
Centres across the UK provide free practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer as well as their family and friends.
My Cancer Treatment
Find and compare NHS cancer services in your area
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
National guidance and advice to improve health and social care including information on diagnosis and management of colorectal cancer.
NHS bowel cancer screening programme - England
Provides information about bowel cancer screening in England.
NHS Business Services Authority
Information on health cost support in England, Scotland and Wales.
NHS Change4
Life
Advice on making healthy changes to your life.
NHS Choices
The UK’s biggest health website.
NHS Live Well
Information on how you can improve your health and well-being
Penny Brohn Cancer Care
Supports people to live well with cancer by offering a range of services, including wellbeing courses and complementary therapies.
Plymouth and District Bowel Cancer Support Group
Support group for people suffering from bowel cancer, and their families, run by people who have or have had the disease.
Sexual Advice Association
Provide information on sexuality and intimacy, including information for people with cancer.
Shine Cancer Support
A network for anyone living with cancer in their 20s, 30s and 40s.
Teenage Cancer Trust
Provide services and support for young people with cancer between the ages of 13 and 24.
The Family History of Bowel Cancer Clinic
A blog from West Middlesex University Hospital that includes information for the public.
UK Clinical Trials Gateway
Information about clinical research trials running in the UK.
World Cancer Research Fund
Evidence based information on ways to reduce your risk of cancer
