Bowel Cancer West (BCW) 2025

We welcome back Bowel Cancer West to this year’s show.
Bowel Cancer West is a charity founded to improve survival rates of people with bowel cancer in the South West of England. Currently, Bowel Cancer has a dangerously low profile, but BCW aims to change that through their dedicated team of volunteers and trustees. They ensure that every pound raised is invested effectively to put the brake’s on the UK’s second-biggest cancer killer.

How do we do this?

Firstly, we raise awareness of the symptoms of bowel cancer. Incidences of the disease are high, yet awareness levels are alarmingly low. Additionally, everyone over the age of 60 is sent a screening test every two years, but many choose to ignore it. Furthermore, discussing bowel habits is a tricky topic, but together we can ‘combat the cringe’ to ensure everyone has the knowledge they need about this disease.

Secondly, we fund research conducted at leading universities to fill a national gap. Our projects are internationally recognized, and they are carefully selected by a BCW grants committee of esteemed academics. This selection process ensures that we remain focused on the right areas. Moreover, we provide training for doctors and nurses to ensure they provide patients with the best possible care. We train them to diagnose patients effectively and to offer the best support for them throughout their treatment.

The West Country challenge

Bowel cancer affects people of all ages, but it is most commonly associated with people over the age of 55. Considering that our region hosts a high number of retirees, we face a harder challenge. Additionally, it is a misconception that bowel cancer affects only men, as it is, in fact, only slightly more prevalent among males. Thus, we need your support to ensure that people across the region know what to look out for. Remarkably, one in three people currently knows someone with bowel cancer.

Colorectal cancer is Britain’s second biggest cause of cancer-related death, yet it only ranks fourth for cancer diagnosis. Consequently, a higher proportion of those who are diagnosed do not survive. We know that this is largely due to late diagnosis and sometimes a lack of awareness of the symptoms of bowel cancer. Although these symptoms are not always apparent, discussing your bowel habits can be a difficult subject. However, you really shouldn’t feel embarrassed.

Events

The Devon and Cornwall Back Yard Ultra, in aid of Bowel Cancer West, is an iconic race held at Newnham Park, Plymouth on Saturday 23rd to Sunday 24th August 2025.  This event sees runners take on 4.167mile loops on the hour, every hour until only one brave soul is left.  A great introduction to timed loop events all whilst raising money for charity, and you don’t have to run, if you have the speed you can walk.

For more details and tickets, please visit www.thebackyardultra.co.uk or sign-up at SIEntries

Bowel Cancer West Links
Website: Bowelcancerwest.com

Facebook: facebook.com/BCWCharity
Facebook Group: Devon and Cornwall Backyard Ultra

Twitter: twitter.com/bcwcharity

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Exhibitors & Speakers 2025