Our publications
Our full range of health information publications are free to download. Following a review of our materials, our most popular booklets are available to order in printed copies.
Read our FAQs on how to order our printed resources.
Merck and Amgen have contributed a grant/donation towards the cost of design, print and distribution of patient information materials available on this page with no influence on their content. Find out more about how we produce information here.
Diagnosis and treatment
These resources are for people who have been diagnosed with bowel cancer and are going through treatment.
Your pathway
An in-depth booklet for bowel cancer patients starting treatment, including cancer staging, treatment flow charts for colon and rectal cancer, information on surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy drugs, as well as plenty of patient stories.
Your operation
Information on the different types of surgery that may be performed on bowel cancer patients and an introduction to stomas. There are also useful tips on preparing for a hospital stay and recovering at home.
Eating well
This booklet provides information about your diet during and after bowel cancer treatment. We explain how different foods can help you manage the symptoms of bowel cancer and provide tips for eating with a stoma, boosting your appetite and eating healthily.
Treating advanced bowel cancer
This booklet is for anyone diagnosed with bowel cancer that has spread from the bowel to other parts of the body. It provides an overview of treatment options, dealing with your emotions and maintaining a good quality of life.
Younger people with bowel cancer
This booklet provides an introduction to how a diagnosis of bowel cancer at a younger age can affect the body, emotions, relationships and everyday life.
About colonic stenting
A concise factsheet providing information about having a colonic stent fitted, the benefits and possible risks, and how to manage any changes in your bowel habit.
Questions to ask after your diagnosis
If you've been diagnosed with bowel cancer, it may be helpful to ask these questions at your next meeting.
Questions to ask when meeting your specialist team
Asking these questions may help you understand more when meeting your specialist team.
Questions to ask about your treatment options
It might be useful to ask these questions to your doctor, specialist or nurse when deciding on your treatment options.
After treatment
These resources are for people who have had treatment for bowel cancer.
Living well
Information and advice for patients on life after bowel cancer treatment, including feelings after treatment, having a healthy diet and keeping active, possible worries around follow up appointments, dealing with side effects and going back to work.
Regaining bowel control
Regaining bowel control can be one of the biggest challenges that you face after surgery for bowel cancer. In this booklet we explain approaches you can take and the support available to you.
Stoma reversal
A factsheet with information about what a stoma reversal is, the possible risks and how to manage side effects afterwards.
Raise awareness of bowel cancer
These resources have information about reducing your risk of bowel cancer, the symptoms of the disease, and the screening programme.
What is bowel cancer?
A simple A5 sized leaflet outlining what bowel cancer is, who's at risk and what symptoms to look out for.
The facts about bowel cancer
This credit card sized leaflet summarises the facts about bowel cancer, what to look out for and how to reduce your risk. The discrete credit card size is ideal for awareness-raising events and reception areas. They are available for each nation within the UK
Knowing the symptoms (poster)
An A4 poster which highlights the five possible symptoms of bowel cancer.
Symptoms diary
The symptoms diary, pioneered by Beth Purvis, supported by Coloplast and formally endorsed by the Royal College of GPs, aims to help keep track of a person’s symptoms before they visit their GP. This will give a good indication to their doctor whether they need further tests. Patients may not remember all their symptoms during the short appointment so having something written down can be useful.
Simple steps for good bowel health
An A5 booklet to help you understand the steps you can take for good bowel health and to reduce your risk of bowel cancer.
Bowel cancer screening in England (poster)
A poster highlighting the bowel cancer screening programme in England.
Bowel cancer screening in Scotland (poster)
A poster highlighting the bowel cancer screening programme in Scotland.
Bowel cancer screening in Wales / Sgrinio am ganser y coluddyn (poster)
A poster highlighting the bowel cancer screening programme in Wales. Available in English and Welsh.
About Bowel Cancer UK
How we can help you (poster and flyer)
An A4 poster and A5 flyer highlighting the different support services available from Bowel Cancer UK.
We produce high quality, accurate and up to date information by using the latest evidence from research and clinical guidelines. Find out more about how we produce information here. Please contact us on publications@bowelcanceruk.org.uk if you have any feedback or are interested in reviewing our publications.