Bowel Research UK England

Every year more than 41,000 men and women are diagnosed with bowel (colorectal) cancer. It is the 3rd most prevalent form of cancer and it takes more lives than any other, with the exception of lung cancer. Around 300,000 people live with chronic bowel disease. Colitis and Crohn's disease can start in childhood – most youngsters are diagnosed at the age of 12 – and it is a currently uncurable, lifetime condition. It can cause such pain that hospitalisation is necessary so that morphine-like painkillers can be given. Over 100,000 people live with a stoma; an opening in the abdomen through which waste passes into a bag. A stoma can be the result of life saving treatment, but the physical and emotional cost of living permanently with one can be very high. Bowel function is one of the last taboos and for this reason individuals living with bowel conditions can feel desperately isolated. Our vision Bowel & Cancer Research's vision is that no one should die of bowel cancer or have to live with chronic bowel disease. Our work Bowel & Cancer Research is a leading research authority for the whole bowel. We shine a light on bowel cancer and other bowel conditions by funding the best science across the UK aimed at improving their diagnosis and treatment. We support our next generation of bowel research experts through a dedicated PhD funding programme. We are the only UK charity to have invested in research dedicated to the bowel by funding the UK's National Bowel Research Centre (NBRC) at Queen Mary University in London. The NBRC brings together surgeons, scientists, business, charity and the public to make real strides in our understanding of bowel cancer and bowel disease, to deliver new treatments and save and change lives. We also support ways that involve the public in the design and delivery of research and raise awareness of bowel cancer and other bowel diseases, to improve people's knowledge of symptoms, improve access toæclinical servicesæand break down taboos. The range and scope of our work makes Bowel & Cancer Research unique, we receive no money from government and rely totally on the generosity of individuals. Youæcan playæyour part, not only in donating directly to our work, remembering Bowel & Cancer Research in your will or fundraising for us, but also getting involved in how research is designed and delivered.