About BCW

The charity was founded to improve survival rates of people with bowel cancer in the south west of England. Currently the disease has a dangerously low profile, but we are looking to change that through our dedicated team of volunteers and trustees who ensure that every pound raised is invested effectively to put the brakes on the UK's second-biggest cancer killer. 

How do we do this?

WE RAISE AWARENESS of the symptoms of bowel cancer. Incidences of the disease are high and awareness levels are alarmingly low. Everyone over the age of 60 is sent a screening test every two years but many choose to ignore this. Discussing bowel habits is also a tricky topic, but together we can 'combat the cringe' to ensure everyone has the knowledge they need about this disease. 

WE FUND RESEARCH conducted at leading univerisites to plug a national gap. Our projects are internationally recognised and carefully selected by a BCW grants committee of esteemed academics to ensure we remain focused on the right areas.

WE PROVIDE TRAINING for doctors and nurses to ensure they provide patients with the best possible care. We train them to diagnose patients effectively and to offer the best support for them surrounding their treatment. 

The West Country challenge

Bowel cancer affects people of all ages but is most commonly associated with people over the age of 55. With our region hosting a high number of retirees, we face a harder challenge. It's also a misconception that bowel cancer affects only men - it is in fact only slightly more prevalent among males. We need your support to ensure the people across the region know what to look out for. Currently, one in three people know someone with bowel cancer.

Colorectal cancer is Britain’s second biggest cause of cancer related death but only ranks fourth for cancer diagnosis. This means that a higher proportion of those who are diagnosed do not survive. We know this is largely due to late diagnosis and sometimes through a lack of awareness in the symptoms of bowel cancer- although these symptoms are not always apparent. Discussing your bowel habits can be a difficult subject, but you really shouldn’t feel embarrassed.  

The future

Your support will ensure we grow our charity and we will reduce the risk that bowel cancer has on the West Country community - helping to save peoples’ lives.

Our expanding volunteer and fundraising network will help us meet our goals, and we know that we now have the right mix of talent and enthusiasm to achieve that. It’s a huge challenge for us, but with resources improving by the day and further funds being donated to BCW from the private and corporate sectors, we are making good progress.