Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is observed in the United Kingdom throughout April. Bowel cancer was discovered more than 100 years ago by Dr. Aldred Warthin. Every 15 minutes, someone in the U.K is diagnosed with bowel cancer. Thankfully, bowel cancer is not a death sentence and early detection makes all the difference. This is why this month-long campaign is so important in sensitizing the public about getting regular screenings.
History of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month
Bowel Cancer Awareness Month serves as a medium to enlighten the masses, support diagnosed patients, and reduce the statistics of bowel cancer cases globally. It helps to spotlight the importance of early detection and how it helps in curing this disease.
Bowel cancer — also known as colorectal cancer or colon cancer — is the cancer of the large bowel which often starts from the colon to the rectum. It is the most common type of gastrointestinal cancer. Every 15 minutes, someone in the United Kingdom is diagnosed with bowel cancer. Colorectal cancer is the third most prevalent cancer in both men and women, excluding some skin cancers. Dr. Aldred Warthin discovered it over a century ago. Numerous people have been diagnosed with the condition since its discovery. As public knowledge of this dangerous disease has grown, the number of diagnosed cases is claimed to have dropped dramatically.
Bowel cancer is often termed a “death sentence” by many. However, over the years, oncologists emphasize how early detection makes it easy to cure this disease. Several symptoms require medical diagnosis, as they could indicate the presence of a tumor in the bowel. They include abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, change in bowel habits including stooling or constipation, change in stool consistency, and blood traces in the stool. Age is a risk factor, as people above 50 years of age are more susceptible to this disease. However, younger people can also be diagnosed with bowel cancer.
Bowel Cancer Awareness Month timeline
Bowel cancer is discovered by Dr. Warthin.
One of the first colonoscopies is successfully performed.
A bowel cancer screening program is introduced in the Czech Republic.
Hungary records the highest rate of bowel cancer.
Bowel Cancer Awareness Month FAQs
Is radiation therapy used for bowel cancer?
No, it is uncommon to use radiation therapy for bowel cancer.
Is bowel cancer terminal?
At its earlier stage, bowel cancer is treatable, but the moment it gets advanced and defies treatment, it is said to be terminal.
Can a person have bowel cancer with no symptoms?
In the earlier stage of bowel cancer, symptoms might go undetected.
How to Observe Bowel Cancer Awareness Month
Reach out to patients
One of the best ways to make people feel loved is by checking how they are faring. Reach out to bowel cancer patients and show them you care.
Share testimonies of survivors
Sharing testimonies of survivors would help patients believe they can make it through the situation. Encourage someone during this awareness month by sharing bowel cancer recovery testimonies!
Donate towards bowel cancer treatment
Financial support goes a long way, as it enables the provision of drugs and health facilities for patients. Regardless of how small, donate funds towards bowel cancer treatment.
5 Facts About Bowel Cancer
It begins with polyps
Sometimes, bowel cancer begins developing as non-cancerous polyps.
It progresses slowly
Non-cancerous polyps take about 10 to 15 years to develop into cancerous bowel tumors.
Older people are susceptible
At least nine out of 10 new cases are found in people of age 50 and above.
Rates have fallen steadily
Between 2009 and 2019, age-adjusted rates for bowel cancer cases have fallen by an average of 2% each year.
There are many survivors
There are now more than a million survivors of bowel cancer in the U.S.
Why Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is Important
It’s an opportunity for enlightenment
Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is an avenue to enlighten people on bowel cancer. The importance of regular screening and medical checkups can’t be overemphasized.
It raises funds
Financial support is an important part of combating this disease. This awareness month is an opportunity to raise financial support for patients and to sponsor further research into the disease.
It provides encouragement
This month-long campaign is a source of encouragement to people currently struggling with bowel cancer. It reassures them that they are seen, heard, and supported.
Bowel Cancer Awareness Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | April 1 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | April 1 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | April 1 | Thursday |
| 2028 | April 1 | Saturday |
| 2029 | April 1 | Sunday |
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