Bowel cancer (also known as colon cancer) is the second highest cause of cancer death in New Zealand, with around 1200 people dying yearly – that is as many as breast and prostate cancer combined. Being aware of the symptoms is the first step you can take to prevent bowel cancer. Symptoms can come and go, so don’t wait if you have any concerns – no matter your age.

Symptoms may include:

• Bleeding from the bottom (rectal bleeding)
• Change of bowel motions/habits that come and go over several weeks
• Anaemia
• Severe persistent or periodic abdominal pain
• A lump or mass in the abdomen
• Tiredness and loss of weight for no obvious reason

While bowel cancer is more common in the 50 years + age group, it affects people of all ages. If you did see your GP about bowel symptoms and were told, ‘You are too young to have bowel cancer’, do not accept this as an explanation. Seek a second opinion from another doctor, or ask your GP to refer you to a specialist for further investigation.

This February, the Newland family are teaming up to take on the Move Your Butt challenge to raise funds for Bowel Cancer NZ, supporting vital services for patients and funding research to reduce the impact of bowel cancer. Our target is to walk and run 1000km over the month of February, raising money as we go.

This campaign is personal to us. Family history means our risk of being diagnosed with bowel cancer is high. Last Christmas Mike, our brother, son, dad, husband, uncle, and nephew was diagnosed with bowel cancer and now joins 100s of kiwis receiving treatment to fight this awful disease.

Every month, 100 Kiwis lose their lives to bowel cancer, and 250 are diagnosed. It’s a devastating statistic.

Each step we take and every kilometre we walk supports Mike and the battle he is fighting. It also honours those lost to bowel cancer and supports all those who are still fighting. Every dollar we raise will directly fund essential support services like counselling, physiotherapy, and financial assistance – services that make a real difference to patients and survivors during their recovery.

This cause is deeply personal to all of us, and we’re asking for your help to make a meaningful impact. Whether you donate $5 or $50, every contribution, no matter how big or small, brings us one step closer to our goal.

It only takes a minute to donate, and your generosity will help us provide much-needed care to those battling this disease. Together, we can make a real difference in the fight against bowel cancer.

Please help us by supporting our team today. With your help, we’ll walk with purpose and work toward a future where no Kiwi has to face bowel cancer alone.

DONATE NOW

Bowel Cancer NZ is 100% community funded and receives no government assistance. For more information head to: https://bowelcancernz.org.nz/