Warmest thanks to Corinne, Julie, Lisa, Rachael and Vanessa for supporting our annual Kick Ass campaign and raising awareness of early-onset bowel cancer in memory of their beautiful friend Elle.
 
860 Australia women under the age of 50 are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year, and sadly 147 young women pass away.
 
Early-onset bowel cancer is on the rise and you should never be told that ‘you’re too young to have bowel cancer’.

Get together with your mothers, sisters, grandmothers, aunts, nieces, cousins and girlfriends and host a kick ass activity this March to raise much-needed awareness and funds.

Bowel cancer is the second most common type of newly diagnosed cancer and third deadliest cancer in women.

Possible bowel cancer signs can often be dismissed as symptoms associated with pregnancy or recent childbirth, endometriosis, menstruation, menopause (perimenopause) - or simply being a busy tired mum with children.

You are never too young to have bowel cancer. Bowel Cancer Australia regularly receives feedback from younger people diagnosed with early-onset bowel cancer who have initially had their signs and symptoms attributed to haemorrhoids, food intolerances, or even just a result of living a hectic lifestyle.

No one knows your body better than you, so listen to it and if something isn't right, make an appointment to speak with your GP as soon as possible and seek a second (or third) opinion if necessary.

Check out our selection of free shareable social media images here and help us make real change happen.

Pregnancy-associated bowel cancer is distinct from bowel cancer in the general population and refers to the instance when the initial diagnosis of cancer is made during pregnancy or within 12 months of delivery.⁠
 
As the presenting features of bowel cancer can overlap with those of pregnancy itself, pregnant patients typically present with advanced bowel cancer. This is usually a result of delayed diagnosis and often leads to a poorer prognosis.
 
Bowel cancer and its treatment can also impact reproductive function and understanding fertility risks, as well as options for preservation of fertility, is an important consideration if you receive a bowel cancer diagnosis before starting or completing your family.