There are many organisations, support groups and other resources to help you cope with bowel cancer and treatment. You can also find out about suppliers of stoma appliances.
Cancer Research UK information and support
Cancer Research UK is the largest cancer research organisation in the world outside the USA. We fund research on all aspects of cancer from its causes to prevention and treatment.
We are committed to producing high quality information for people affected by cancer. As well as looking at the information on this website you can call our nurse freephone helpline on 0808 800 4040. They are available from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Or you can send them a question online.
Shortly after Bobby Moore’s death in 1993, Bobby’s widow Stephanie Moore OBE set up the Bobby Moore Fund as a restricted fund of Cancer Research UK to raise money for pioneering bowel cancer research.
The Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK was set up to continue the legacy of Dame Deborah James.
It funds research into early detection and personalised medicine. The Bowelbabe fund also aims to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer and tackle the stigmas around cancer.
Bowel Cancer UK raise awareness of bowel cancer and campaign for better treatments and care. They provide information about bowel cancers, including anal and rectal cancers through their website and leaflets and they have an online forum.
The Bladder and Bowel Community supports people living with bladder and bowel disorders and has a telephone helpline. The service is confidential. They can also give you information about stoma products.
They have a 'Just Can't Wait' card which allows holders access to toilets in shops and when you are out. It's free to order on the website.
Forward House
17 High Street
Henley-in-Arden
B95 5AA
Cancer Card is a national charity based in Scotland. They aim to provide support to everyone affected by cancer. Their website has a support directory where you can search for national and local cancer support charities and services. You can also find stories of people affected by cancer. They have a cancer support helpline and a digital helpline, which can help you with your online needs. For example helping you gain digital skills so you can access online services, such as banking.
This is a UK support group for people with a colostomy. It provides information and support and booklets to anyone who has or is about to have a colostomy.
24 hour free helpline: 0800 328 4257
Email: hello@colostomyuk.org
General enquires: 0118 939 1537 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)
Disability Rights UK provides an information and advice service and campaigns for disabled people's rights.
They also provide a Just Can't Wait card and radar keys that give access to toilets throughout the UK for people who might need to use a toilet in a hurry. They also have several helplines providing information and advice.
Guts UK produce information and leaflets on common digestive diseases and illnesses. This includes information about cancer of the bowel, food pipe (oesophagus) and stomach.
The IA aims to help anyone who needs or has had an ileostomy or internal pouch. It has a network of branches throughout the UK which give advice, information leaflets, and home and hospital visiting. The website hosts forums for discussion. The organisation has a membership fee.
This charity aims to provide information and support to people with Lynch syndrome and their families, and to raise awareness of this syndrome. They also provide support through their Facebook page Lynch Syndrome UK Online.
Macmillan Cancer Support is a charity that gives practical and medical support to people with cancer in the UK. Its helpline offers support with clinical, emotional, general and welfare benefits needs. They also publish booklets about cancer and treatments. Information is available in other languages.
Freephone: 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, 8am to 8pm)
Contact email form
A patient led group that promotes understanding about pelvic radiation disease. Pelvic radiation disease is a late effect of radiotherapy treatment. They support patients and campaign for more research and better treatment for this condition.
Delivers supplies of prescription colostomy and ileostomy equipment. Also gives information on all areas of stoma care. Has a clinical support helpline for wound care.
There are also handcrafted ostomy covers available. These come in different shapes and sizes and are made of a wide range of fabrics. Cancer Research UK is unable to list all the different companies that make these handcrafted covers. However, if you search the internet you can find different options available.
Videos of people's stories
Find out about the experience of living with and beyond cancer by seeing and hearing people share their personal stories on film. Healthtalk’s researchers created a library of interviews with people who have survived for 5 years or more after a cancer diagnosis.
Find out what people said about issues such as lifestyle choices, physical effects and the impact on work and family.
Find local cancer information and support near you
There are organisations and support services in your local area that you can access. You can ask your specialist nurse or doctor for more information about cancer services near you.
England
The NHS website has a service that tells you about local information and support in England.
