There’s a massive bowel heading our way to help us talk about a subject we don’t really like to mention (but we all should) – bowel cancer. The incredible team at BOWEL CANCER UK on a mission to increase public awareness of the disease and its symptoms.

Their staff and volunteer teams will be there to answer your questions or listen to any worries you may have about bowel cancer, whether that’s about yourself, a loved one or a friend. Believe me, they’ve heard it all before, so don’t be afraid to ask questions – it really will put your mind at rest.

You can also take a walk through the giant inflatable bowel, which shows the various stages of bowel cancer. This interactive experience helps us raise awareness of symptoms and the importance of taking part in screening as well as good bowel health.

Genevieve Edwards, Chief Executive at Bowel Cancer UK told us…..

“We’re really looking forward to talking to lots of people in Cardiff about the disease, its symptoms, the importance of taking part in bowel cancer screening and how people can reduce their risk of developing bowel cancer. 

We know that awareness of bowel cancer in Cardiff is quite low with nearly a quarter people living in the capital (23%) unaware of any of the symptoms of the disease. We hope our giant inflatable bowel is a fun way to break the ice and start having those lifesaving conversations.

We’re here to welcome everyone to a tour of the giant inflatable bowel, answer any questions you have about your bowel health, and signpost you for further support. No appointment necessary. See you inside!”

I have to admit I have first hand knowledge of the bowel, wth family suffering with Crohns and having had the dreaded colonoscopy on a few occasions. I can tell you if you ever have to have one, it is the most incredible journey through your body you’ll ever see.

You can see the Bowel Cancer Roadshow at the following locations:

• Tuesday 21st November, 10am-4pm: Outside Cardiff Central Library and St David’s, Hayes Place, Cardiff
• Wednesday 22nd November, 10am-4pm: Outside Capitol Shopping Centre, where Churchill Way meets Queen Street, Cardiff
• Thursday 23rd November, 10am-4pm: Capital Shopping Park, Leckwith Rd, Cardiff

Bowel Cancer UK site – HERE.

Nearly four in ten (38%) people in the UK can’t name a single symptom of bowel cancer, despite the disease being the UK’s fourth most common cancer.

The colon – aka large intestine – is a dark, mysterious place for a lot of us.

It’s where food goes after the small intestine has taken out the nutrients. The colon stores the waste and absorbs water, and it takes about 30 hours for the remnants of any particular meal to make its way out.

But a lot of people worry more about other parts of their body than their 4 to 5 feet of colon.

Dr Danielle Marino, a Gastroenterologist told us……

“I think people feel uncomfortable talking about this topic. They’re embarrassed. They often don’t talk to their families about it.

Bowel Cancer UK is determined to improve that by creating and delivering an impactful awareness programme. We’ll roll out volunteer-led talks and a comprehensive awareness roadshow travelling the length and breadth of the UK, talking about bowel cancer risk, signs, symptoms, and the importance of screening. We’ll prioritise talking to older adults who don’t take part in screening, younger people with symptoms, people living in areas of social deprivation, and areas where people are less likely to survive a diagnosis of bowel cancer. 

Alongside the awareness roadshows, we’ll help GPs and pharmacy staff across the UK to confidently have those all-important conversations with people about bowel cancer.  By create e-learning modules, webinars, and face to face learning sessions we’ll build their knowledge on symptoms to look out for, risk factors, and the best way of ruling bowel cancer out first, and fast.

​Funding from the Bowelbabe Fund will have a huge impact in communities hardest hit by poorer bowel cancer outcomes. It will also ensure we can support GPs to make swifter decisions and better referrals for diagnostic tests – or, put another way, to help them find those needles in the haystacks more quickly.

Symptoms of bowel cancer can include:

• Bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your poo
• A persistent and unexplained change in bowel habit
• Unexplained weight loss
• Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason
• A pain or lump in your tummy

It’s important to know that most people with these symptoms don’t have bowel cancer. Other health problems can cause similar symptoms. But if you have any of these, or if things just don’t feel right, go to see your GP.

You may need to visit your doctor more than once if your symptoms don’t get better.

Knowing the symptoms and acting on them as quickly as possible could mean that if you do have bowel cancer, it may be diagnosed earlier when it’s much easier to treat. People whose cancer is diagnosed at an early stage have a much higher chance of successful treatment than those whose cancer has become more widespread.

Don’t be embarrassed and don’t ignore any symptoms. Doctors are used to seeing lots of people with bowel problems.