No Butts: Get to know the symptoms of bowel cancer
Almost 43,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year in the UK and more than 16,500 people die from the disease making it the UK’s second biggest cancer killer. However, this shouldn't be the case as it is treatable and curable especially if diagnosed early. Nearly everyone survives bowel cancer if diagnosed at the earliest stage, but this drops significantly as the disease develops. Early diagnosis really does save lives.
That's why #NoButts, our bowel cancer awareness campaign is back for the fourth year!
The was started to celebrate the life of our friend, the late, great Dame Deborah James who spearheaded our campaign, along with Lorraine since its launch in 2021.
Dame Deborah James sadly passed away last year, and had been living with stage 4 bowel cancer since 2016. Dame Deborah was passionate about helping to spread the word about early diagnosis and ensuring people understood the signs and symptoms of the disease. Her BowelBabe fund has raised an inspiring £11.3M, which will help to fund bowel cancer research.
Working closely with Bowel Cancer UK, and Dame Deborah’s mother, Heather James, we hope to continue Dame Deborah’s incredible awareness work.
Heather James says "It was one of Deborah's wishes that I continue to be part of ITV Lorraine's No Butts campaign. I'm so pleased to be able to honour and carry forward Deborah's legacy to spread the word about the importance of early diagnosis and to make sure everyone understands the signs and symptoms of Bowel Cancer. Please remember to check your poo - it could just save your life!"
Also, lifting the lid on loo taboos within our campaign is DJ and Broadcaster Adele Roberts, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2021 and continues to share her journey to recovery on social media.
The campaign aims to encourage our viewers across the UK to help fly the flag for bowel cancer - the nation’s second biggest cancer killer - with the goal of achieving life-saving early detection for those diagnosed.
> Download the No butts leaflet here
Get to know the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer
Blood in your poo or from your bottom.
Obvious changes in your bowel habit.
Weight loss you can't explain.
Extreme tiredness for no apparent reason.
Lump and/or pain in your tummy.
If you notice anything unusual/blood in your stools please see your GP.
Are you familiar with your bowel habits? These are the seven types of stools: (1-2 are signs of constipation, 3-4 are normal bowel habit and 5-7 indicate diarrhoea or urgency)1. Individual, hard lumps - sometimes hard to pass2. Lumpy but formed together like a sausage 3. Cracked surface and sausage shaped4. Smooth, soft and snake like (this is what you want)5. Easy to pass, sharp edged blobs6. Mushy, jagged edges7. Watery and no substance
Find advice and support for bowel cancer via our helplines:
NHS Bowel CancerScreeningFind everything you need to know about Bowel Cancer including causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, with links to other useful resources.
Bowel Cancer UKBowelcanceruk.org.ukBowel Cancer UK is the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity. We’re determined to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer by championing early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care. Visit our website for a range of information about bowel cancer including symptoms, risk factors, screening, diagnosis, treatment and living with and beyond the disease. Our online community is a welcoming place for everyone affected by bowel cancer, including family and friends, to ask questions, read about people’s experiences and support each other. Join us on our community page.
Macmillan Cancer SupportHelpline: 0808 808 0000 to speak to a specialist nurse.Bowel CancerMacmillan Cancer Support improves the lives of people affected by cancer. One in three of us will get cancer. We are all affected by cancer. We can all help. We are Macmillan. As treatments improve, more and more people are living with cancer in their daily lives. This means they need more than medical help, they also need practical, emotional and financial support.
Cancer Help UKHelpline: 0808 800 4040 to speak to a specialist nurseBowel CancerCancerHelp UK is a free information service about cancer and cancer care for people with cancer and their families. This section of CancerHelp UK tells you about bowel cancer (colorectal cancer). It includes information about causes and symptoms of bowel cancer, tests and treatment, living with bowel cancer, and current research.
Bowel Cancer Informationwww.bowelcancer.tv Information on Bowel Cancer from leading UK specialists.
Teenage Cancer TrustTel: 020 7612 0370www.teenagecancertrust.org Around six young people aged between 13 and 24 are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK. They need expert treatment and support from the moment they hear the word ‘cancer.’ We’re the only charity dedicated to making this happen. We bring young people together so they can be treated together, by teenage cancer experts, in the best place for them.
Bladder and Bowel Community (Formerly Bladder & Bowel Foundation)www.bladderandbowel.org At the Bladder & Bowel Community, we help support the millions of people in the UK who are living with conditions that affect their bladder or bowel. Whether you have a condition yourself or are a relative, friend or carer of someone who does then you’ll find all the support, information, guidance and help you need. You’ll discover a fantastic community spirit here and through our carefully selected partnerships, we’ll help provide products and services to assist in managing your condition. If you’re new to the site then start with the bladder or bowel sections.