August 2023 Newsletter

Welcome back to our newsletter

This month we've been celebrating our researchers, preparing for our Walk Together event and lining up expert speakers for our support offerings. Read on to find out the latest from our community.

The latest on our research

Research is key to creating a future where nobody dies of bowel cancer. Your support has helped researchers across the country make amazing progress, from a national Lynch syndrome registry to advanced surgical training. Click here to read some exciting updates about our current projects.

Come and see us on the road

This September, we're coming to Liverpool, and we'd love to see you there! For three days our team will be setting up in different locations around the city raising awareness of bowel cancer.

Our friendly staff and volunteers will be there to answer your questions and listen to any worries you might have about bowel cancer. You'll also be able to explore our inflatable bowel.

If you're based in or around Liverpool, please do spread the word with your local community. And this is just the start, we'll be bringing our inflatable bowel to locations across the UK. Keep an eye on our social media channels and find out more about locations here.

Catch the latest episode in our 'An expert explores' series

Our latest video series provides an opportunity to learn more about the disease from expert healthcare professionals. In each recorded episode, which is followed by a live Q&A, you'll receive guidance and information to help you on one specific topic. The latest episode is on prehabilitation for cancer treatment.

Prehabilitation helps you to prepare (physically and mentally) for treatment. It can help with managing side-effects and even encourage better long-term health. If you're interested, please sign up today to get your recorded episode, and join the live Q&A on Thursday 7 September.

Walk Together with us in September

Stride into action this September with Walk Together. People across the country will be walking to raise money for people affected by bowel cancer, and we'd love you to join us. There are so many ways to take part, from an in-person event taking in the sights of London, to organising your own walks with friends and family. You can even get your furry friends involved with Walkies Together! Sign up today.

News from our community

Find out the latest from our bowel cancer community here.

• Earlier this month, NHS England announced a change to how they measure cancer waiting times. This now means that people should have a bowel cancer diagnosis, or have the disease ruled out, within 28 days of being urgently referred. The changes could help to speed up diagnosis and reduce unnecessary colonoscopies. You can read our response here.
• Researchers in Bristol have published a new study. It shows how powerful screening can be, and highlights how important future improvements to the screening programme could be.?Find out more.
• Our online support groups will be back up and running in September.?Sign up now to get your free place in our friendly and welcoming groups.

Help us with our mission

There are plenty of ways to support our work and help ensure a future where nobody dies of bowel cancer:

• Fundraise your way?–?our fundraising team would love to help you with your fundraiser, no matter what it is! Have a look at how schools can get involved this academic year. Or are you missing the cricket? Explore our cricket fundraising ideas here!
• Want to catch the last of the summer vibes??Our shop's summer collection is still going strong, plus we've got socks to put a pep in your step as we come into Autumn, and gorgeous hoodies to stretch out those summer evenings. Shop now.

We're here if you need us

If you, or a loved one, is affected by bowel cancer we're here for you. Here are some of the ways we can help to support you:

• We know that dealing with a cancer diagnosis can be incredibly hard. We've got lots of information and materials on our website to help support you and your loved ones.
• We have a range of online communities, where you can connect with others experiencing the same thing.?These include our forum, which has just been refreshed with a new look.
• We know that sometimes it can be difficult to make sense of everything when managing a bowel cancer diagnosis or treatment. Our friendly nurses are here to help. Get in touch with them here.

Thank you so much for your continued support, we're truly grateful.

Make sure to follow us on social media for all of our latest news and updates. You can find us on?Twitter,?Facebook,?Instagram,?and TikTok.

With best wishes,

Genevieve Edwards

Chief Executive, Bowel Cancer UK