Home - Bowel Cancer Ireland

Welcome to Bowel Cancer Ireland, where early detection saves lives

Bowel and colorectal cancers are one of the most preventable cancers if caught early, yet thousands of people across Ireland are diagnosed every year.

With cases rising, particularly among younger adults, our mission is to raise awareness, provide support, and advocate for better access to life-saving screening options.

Join us in our fight to reduce the impact of bowel cancer across Ireland by getting screened – and by sharing our campaign to lower the screening age.

Who are Bowel Cancer Ireland?

We are a voluntary group founded by current and former colorectal cancer patients. We aim to provide peer support to patients and families, to advocate for better access to screening and clinical trials, and to raise awareness of these cancers.

About Bowel Cancer

What are some of the symptoms of bowel and colorectal cancers?

Recognising the symptoms of bowel cancer early can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes, yet many people are unaware of the tell-tale signs. Some common symptoms include persistent changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhoea, constipation, or a change in stool consistency. Blood in the stool—either bright red or dark—can also signal a problem. Unexplained weight loss, persistent abdominal pain or discomfort (such as cramps or bloating), and feelings of fatigue or weakness should not be ignored. Even if these symptoms seem mild, it’s crucial to consult a doctor if they persist for several weeks. Awareness and early action can help detect bowel cancer when it is most treatable. Stay informed, listen to your body, and take the steps to protect your health.

Early onset bowel cancer - a growing risk

In recent years, there has been a significant rise in the number of young adults diagnosed with bowel cancer, a trend that has changed the way we view this disease. Historically associated with older adults, colorectal cancer is increasingly being diagnosed in people under 50, with some cases occurring in individuals as young as their 20s or 30s. This rise in early-onset bowel cancer highlights the critical importance of screening, even if you don’t have symptoms. Many young people are diagnosed at advanced stages because symptoms can be overlooked or misattributed to less serious conditions. Screening can detect bowel cancer before symptoms appear, offering the best chance for early intervention and successful treatment.

Don’t wait—take action today to protect your health.

How can I screen for Bowel and Colorectal Cancers?

Bowel cancer screening methods like the FIT test and colonoscopy are vital tools for early detection. If you’re over 45 and have no symptoms, you should ask your GP about screening every year. And if you have sustained symptoms at any age, you will need to advocate for screening.

In Ireland, the Bowel Screen programme offers free FIT tests to people aged 59 to 69 every two years. If abnormalities are found, a free colonoscopy is then arranged to check for bowel cancer and remove pre-cancerous polyps.

The FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test) works by detecting hidden blood in your stool, which could indicate bowel cancer or polyps. It’s a simple at-home test, non-invasive, and can identify early signs of trouble. If the FIT test shows abnormalities, a colonoscopy is often the next step.
If you are too young for the BowelScreen programme, ask your GP to arrange a FIT test if you have any concerns, at any age. You can also arrange your own FIT test by using one of several private services offering this screening test.

A colonoscopy is more comprehensive—it allows a doctor to directly examine the inside of your colon and rectum for any signs of cancer or polyps. Importantly, during a colonoscopy, the doctor can remove pre-cancerous polyps before they develop into cancer, offering a preventive benefit that the FIT test alone cannot provide. This combination of early detection and intervention can significantly reduce the risk of bowel cancer. Unless you are referred by the Bowel Screen programme, you will need a referral from your GP for a colonoscopy.

FIND OUT MORE

Bowel Cancer in Ireland – The Facts

Over 2,500 people in Ireland develop bowel cancer each year.
It is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the country.
60% of cases are diagnosed at late stages, significantly reducing survival chances.
Early-stage diagnosis leads to a 97% five-year survival rate, compared to just 14% at Stage IV.
The overall five-year survival rate for bowel cancer in Ireland

For Patients & Survivors For Families & Carers

Our Peer Support Groups

We run a Facebook group for patients and survivors, and a Facebook group for families and carers.

These groups are run by volunteers who, are themselves, living with or undergoing treatment for cancer – so please be patient and supportive when asking for help or offering advice.

2025 Volunteers

As a survivor of Stage 3 cancer first diagnosed at the age of 48, Brendan uses his experience to raise awareness about the need for timely screenings.

BrendanMore about Brendan

Dee is a founding member of Bowel Cancer and found these ladies online back in 2022. Dee has worked with the Marie Keating Foundation over the last few years with their awareness campaigns and she works with the Irish Cancer Society too. She also worked
with Cancer Trials Ireland for two years as a Patient Advocacy.

DeeMore about Dee

One of our founding members, Niamh was diagnosed in her early 40s and shares her experience to encourage and support others.

NiamhMore about Niamh

Diagnosed aged 36, Helen’s story focuses on living with bowel cancer and her resilience as she undergoes treatment.