Bowel Cancer UK launches a pioneering programme in Birmingham designed to help diagnose more cases of bowel cancer earlier. This new approach aims to save lives by helping more people recognise the symptoms of bowel cancer and seek professional help sooner.

The 12-month programme, funded by the Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK and partnered with NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB and West Midlands Cancer Alliance, is designed to tackle the barriers that can prevent people from acting on potential symptoms, combining community awareness activities with support for healthcare professionals.

New research from YouGov, commissioned by Bowel Cancer UK, reveals that while many people surveyed in areas across Birmingham recognise bowel cancer symptoms, too many would delay seeking medical advice if they experienced them. More than 8 in 10 (83%) people said they would not seek help from a healthcare professional straight away if they noticed a persistent change in their bowel habits. More than a third (35%) would not seek help straight away if they had blood in their poo, while more than a quarter (28%) would delay seeking help for bleeding from their bottom.

These findings highlight the urgent need to encourage people to seek help promptly if something doesn't look or feel right.

Earlier diagnosis saves lives, yet almost half of people diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK are diagnosed in the later stages (stage 3 and 4), when the disease is harder to treat. But if diagnosed early it can be treatable and curable.

The Early Diagnosis Programme works directly with communities across West, Central and East Birmingham to help people recognise the symptoms of bowel cancer, feel confident speaking to their GP if something doesn't look or feel right, and complete their bowel cancer screening test when invited.

The programme includes:

  • Community events and awareness activities
  • Social and community group outreach
  • An advertising campaign to raise awareness of symptoms
  • Engagement with healthcare professionals to support earlier diagnosis 

Research shows that embarrassment, fear of cancer and concerns about "wasting the doctor's time" can stop people from seeking help*. The programme aims to tackle these barriers and empower people to act on symptoms promptly.

Andy Glyde, Strategy, Impact and Insight Lead at Bowel Cancer UK, says: "Our research suggests that many people in Birmingham are aware of some of the symptoms of bowel cancer, but it is concerning that so many would not seek help from a health professional straight away if they experienced them.

“Earlier diagnosis saves lives and can make a significant difference to treatment options and outcomes, which is why it is so important to take symptoms seriously and contact your GP if something doesn't look or feel right.

"Through our Early Diagnosis Programme, we are working directly with communities and local healthcare partners to encourage people to recognise the symptoms of bowel cancer and feel confident seeking medical advice promptly. We want more people in Birmingham to be diagnosed earlier, when bowel cancer is more treatable and outcomes are better."

Mr Ian Sharp, Medical Advisor at NHS Birmingham and Solihull and NHS Black Country, said: "We are incredibly pleased to be working with Bowel Cancer UK on this programme, which we hope will encourage more of our population to complete routine screenings and seek medical attention when needed, ultimately leading to earlier diagnosis of cancers including bowel. By taking the right steps to spot cancer as early as possible, we can ensure patients live healthier, happier and longer lives. 

"Over the next year we will be supporting Bowel Cancer UK to spread the word, building on the work we have already done to engage with our communities. We hope that the programme will help us to ensure our services are working for our populations, and look forward to seeing what we can achieve by working together."

Among those supporting greater awareness is Rob Parnham, 42, from Birmingham, who was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer in March 2024.

Rob initially experienced extreme tiredness, which he put down to his busy lifestyle balancing work in the construction industry, regular exercise and family life. After visiting his GP, he was found to be anaemic and was given an at home test, which came back positive for blood in his stools. Further investigations led to the discovery of an 8cm tumour in his bowel.

Rob said: "At first, I didn't think my symptoms were anything out of the ordinary. I was feeling extremely tired, but I just thought this was down to a busy life. Being diagnosed with bowel cancer came as a massive shock."

"The big message from me is making sure that everyone understands the symptoms so they can get diagnosed at an early stage. Working in the construction industry, I know a lot of my colleagues may not want to talk about these things. I want to encourage people not to be embarrassed about speaking to their GP. We only have one chance in life, and we need to grab that chance and live it to the full, and thankfully I still have this opportunity."

Bowel cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age. The most common symptoms include:

  • Bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your poo
  • A persistent and unexplained change in bowel habit
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason
  • A pain or lump in your tummy 

If you notice any of these symptoms, or if something doesn't feel right, contact your GP.

Bowel Cancer UK is encouraging people across Birmingham to get involved with the programme by volunteering at events, sharing their experiences of bowel cancer, or raise awareness within the community.

For more information about bowel cancer symptoms and how to get involved in the programme, visit bowelcanceruk.org.uk/edp-birmingham/