Helen and Emily's #DecemberDiaries entry

Social team: Firstly, we’re sure many people are wondering, what is a giant inflatable bowel?

Helen: ?The bowel – covering 25 square metres – is an interactive experience to demonstrate the various stages of bowel cancer. It’s a fun way for us to break the ice and start having those lifesaving conversations about bowel cancer symptoms, the importance of taking part in?screening?and looking after your own bowel health.

Emily: If you spot us at a roadshow next year then please come over and say hello – we’d be delighted to give you a tour!

Social team: Who are you hoping to reach?

Helen: ?Through the roadshow, we want to prioritise talking to older adults in areas where uptake of bowel cancer screening is lower, to younger people who may experience symptoms, and to people living in areas where they are less likely to survive a diagnosis of the disease.

Social team: What are the key messages you want people to take away with them?

Helen: ?Although bowel cancer is more common in people over the age of 50, the disease can affect anyone of any age. That’s why our priority is to increase public awareness of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer and to empower people to go and visit their doctor if they have any concerns. Our handy symptoms diary can help you keep track of any symptoms before you speak to your doctor.

Emily: We also want to encourage people to complete their screening test when invited. Bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer in the UK, but we know that the disease is treatable and curable, especially if diagnosed early. Screening is one of the best ways to detect bowel cancer at an early stage before symptoms appear. If you're registered with a GP and within the eligible screening age range, a test will be automatically posted to you. It is quick and easy to complete, and it could save your life.

Social team: ?What has been a highlight of the roadshow so far?

Helen: ?The response we’ve received from the public has been fantastic. We’re thrilled that so many people are willing to come and have honest conversations about their bowel health and personal connections to bowel cancer. If we can normalise talking about toilet habits, then we will help break down some of the barriers to early diagnosis.

Emily: Another highlight has been the phenomenal support we’ve had from Bowel Cancer UK staff members, our wonderful volunteers and healthcare professionals. Organising the roadshow is no simple task and we couldn’t have done it without their hard work and determination. Together we can make a difference to everyone affected by bowel cancer.

Social team: What has been a challenge you’ve faced?

Helen: ?Battling storm Babet in Belfast. Inflatable bowels and severe weather do not mix!

Emily: We’ve had to overcome some barriers to communication, such as explaining awareness messaging to people who speak another language, or to people who find the topic particularly embarrassing. That’s why the roadshow is so important, because we’re able to have these vital conversations with people from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Social team: How can people find out where you’ll be heading in 2024?

Emily: We’ll be visiting 10 different locations across the UK next year and dates are currently being confirmed. Keep an eye on our social media channels and sign up to our newsletter to be the first to hear about our latest news and activity.

Helen: ?We’re thrilled to be expanding our roadshow programme in 2024 and look forward to chatting to lots more people from all around the UK.

All the best,

Helen and Emily

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Thanks to the generosity and support from our community and patron, Dame Deborah James, we’re able to bring you these roadshows with funding from the Bowelbabe Fund for 3 years.