Bowel cancer funding gap that UK desperately needs to address

We’re proud to support the Daily Express Cancer Care campaign and its call for mental health support to be available for everyone living with and beyond cancer. At Bowel Cancer UK, we regularly hear from people about both the physical and emotional challenges of a bowel cancer diagnosis. Anxiety, fear, loneliness, and uncertainty are common experiences, yet access to psychological support is far from guaranteed.

Our support services are designed to help people feel informed and less alone. We offer reliable, compassionate information, webinars on the emotional impact of cancer, an Ask the Nurse service to answer questions and provide reassurance, and opportunities to connect with others facing similar experiences. Many find this peer support hugely beneficial to their mental wellbeing.

But we also recognise that this doesn’t replace access to trained psychological professionals. Clinical nurse specialists in our community work tirelessly to assess people’s holistic needs and, where possible, refer them to mental health services.

However, this depends on local funding and availability, and too often, the right support isn’t there when it’s needed most.

We believe mental healthcare must become a routine part of cancer care, with consistent funding, clear referral pathways, and dedicated staff in place. People need to know what help exists – and feel able to ask for it.

April has been Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, a vital opportunity to raise awareness of the UK’s second-deadliest cancer and encourage early action.

This year’s theme is #PassItOn. We’re asking everyone to share the symptoms, encourage conversations, and help save lives.

Key symptoms include:

• Bleeding from your bottom or blood in your poo

• A change in your bowel habits

• Unexplained weight loss

• Extreme tiredness

• A lump or pain in your tummy

If you notice anything unusual, don’t wait – speak to your GP. Early detection saves lives.

Throughout the month, we are sharing resources, real-life stories, and expert advice. Whether you’re worried about symptoms or living with a diagnosis, we’re here to help. Visit bowelcanceruk.org.uk for support, information, and to connect with others who understand what you’re going through.

We’re grateful to the Daily Express – and to Robert Fisk – for shining a light on this important issue. Together, we must ensure that no one faces bowel cancer without the mental health support they need and deserve.