April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, a fantastic annual opportunity to raise awareness of bowel cancer, the fourth most common cancer in Scotland.
The earlier bowel cancer is spotted, the more treatable it’s likely to be. In fact, more than 9 in 10 people survive bowel cancer when it is diagnosed at the earliest stage. However, new research reveals that 35% of adults in the UK cannot identify a single symptom of bowel cancer.
The survey*, commissioned just ahead of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, highlights a worrying lack of public awareness despite bowel cancer claiming over 16,000 lives each year in the UK. Bowel cancer is treatable and curable if caught early, yet these findings suggest many people may miss the warning signs.
When asked to name symptoms of bowel cancer:
- Just 12% recognised bleeding from the bottom
- 22% mentioned diarrhoea or changes in bowel habits
- Only 24% identified stomach pain or cramping
- Alarmingly, 35% admitted they did not know any symptoms
- Less than half (47%) mentioned blood in poo
These survey results are deeply concerning. Bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer in Scotland, yet far too many people remain unaware of its symptoms. Early diagnosis, when it’s most treatable, saves lives and Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is a vital opportunity to change that.
If you notice any changes, no matter how small, speak to your GP – it’s never too early to take action.
This April, we’re asking everyone to #PassItOn – share the symptoms, encourage conversations and help save lives.
Help change the statistics this April
As Bowel Cancer Awareness Month begins this April, we’re urging people across Scotland, and the rest UK, to learn the signs and take action that could save lives.
Throughout the month, we’re hosting a series of events and activities for you to get involved with. Help us increase awareness, encourage early diagnosis and provide support for those affected by bowel cancer by:
- joining one of our virtual awareness talks to refresh your knowledge of the disease
- using our toolkit to pass on information about symptoms
- becoming a bowel cancer awareness month champion and using your voice in the community to raise awareness
- helping to make sure that no one faces bowel cancer alone by sharing your experience on our story wall
You can find out more information about everything we have planned and how you can get involved on our Bowel Cancer Awareness Month Hub.
Natasha Johnston is Senior Services Officer – Scotland at Bowel Cancer UK
For information about Bowel Cancer UKs work in Scotland please get in touch here.
*All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2,145 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 17th – 18th February 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).
