Canada and New Zealand charities join international alliance in global fight against bowel cancer

Canada and New Zealand charities join international alliance

UK charity Beating Bowel Cancer and Bowel Cancer Australia today welcomed the addition of the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada and Beat Bowel Cancer New Zealand to the bowel cancer international alliance, Bowel Cancer International.

Together, the four charities will lead in the global fight against the disease which claims 320 lives in the UK every week; 73 lives in Australia; 175 lives in Canada; and 24 lives in New Zealand.

The alliance will see collaborative working between the four charities, allowing them to share information and resources to provide support for patients battling bowel cancer.

Bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer in all four countries with 1 in 18 Britons; 1 in 12 Australians; 1 in 27 men and 1 in 31 women in Canada; and 1 in 18 New Zealanders being diagnosed with the disease during their lifetime.

Hilary Whittaker, Chief Executive of UK charity Beating Bowel Cancer said, "We are delighted to announce this important alliance between our four charities, which will enable us to work together, share ideas and information to improve support for patients, raise awareness, promote better practice and campaign for the availability of drugs through our respective health services."

Julien Wiggins, CEO of Bowel Cancer Australia added, "We are very excited about the additions to the alliance and the opportunity to develop joint awareness campaigns, patient support resources and materials. Bowel cancer is an international disease. It knows no borders. Over time, we look forward to inviting bowel cancer charities from other countries to join."

Barry Stein, President of Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada said, "International cooperation bringing together the best information available on colorectal cancer will help to bring about increased awareness in the prevention of the disease and support for patients undergoing treatment. This alliance will help further the role played by patient organizations in obtaining timely access to effective treatments with the goal of improving patient outcomes."

Sarah Derrett, Chairperson of Beat Bowel Cancer Aotearoa (New Zealand) said, "We are very pleased to join this international alliance. Our charity is extremely disappointed about the ongoing delays to the introduction of a national screening programme for bowel cancer in New Zealand. Addressing this deficit and raising awareness about bowel cancer among New Zealanders are key activities for our patient-led group over the coming year."

Through the alliance, British, Australian, Canadian and New Zealand bowel cancer patients, their carers and families will have access to a comprehensive range of resources and support throughout their patient journey, including a nurse advisory service.

"All four charities are committed to supporting patients and their families through all stages of their journey and we are working hard to ensure ongoing awareness and provision of the practical, emotional and medical/nursing support needed following a bowel cancer diagnosis," said Hilary Whittaker.