Stage4You: Spotlight on mental health for advanced bowel cancer patients
Tuesday 24 March 2026
Ahead of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month in April, Stage4You, the campaign developed and funded by Takeda UK and supported by Bowel Cancer UK, is shining a light on the mental load of living with stage 4 bowel cancer and encouraging those living with advanced bowel cancer to take a ‘self-awareness day’ to check in on their wellbeing.
The campaign aims to share practical and emotional support to help people protect their mental health.
According to online research conducted by Takeda, living with advanced bowel cancer can have a big impact on mental health, with 60% of patients reporting negative impacts on their emotional wellbeing, while 79% patients reported feelings of guilt about the impact on loved ones.
Stage4You brings together trusted resources from Bowel Cancer UK, and other highly respected sources, to support people living with stage 4 bowel cancer, like supporting people in finding a community, coaching support, peer support lines and groups, and practical tools to nurture their mental health.
Leeanne Davies-Grassnick, who was diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer in 2022 aged 38, says: “Living with stage 4 cancer as a mum and a wife is incredibly complex, and not many people truly understand that reality. It can feel very lonely at times, and often quite overwhelming.
“I’ve found it helpful to have something I can turn to depending on how I’m feeling. Some days are harder than others, and it makes a difference to be able to access support in a way that fits around that. What works for me is being able to dip in and out when I have the energy. There’s no pressure; it’s just there if I need it, whether I’m trying to get through the day or feeling a bit more able to take things in.
“After my diagnosis, I spent a lot of time searching online for information and support, which could feel overwhelming in itself. Having things brought together in one place has made that a bit easier to manage.
“Stage 4 cancer can be an isolating experience, so hearing from others who understand what it’s like has been really important. It helps you feel less alone in it all. I’ve also found it useful for coping with things like scan anxiety and the uncertainty that comes with living with cancer, especially as a parent. It’s a reminder to try and stay present where you can. More than anything, it recognises that we’re not just patients. We’re still people with families, responsibilities and lives that continue alongside a diagnosis.”
Genevieve Edwards, Chief Executive at Bowel Cancer UK, says: “Living with stage 4 bowel cancer can place an enormous emotional burden on patients and their loved ones, often alongside the physical challenges of the disease. At Bowel Cancer UK, we know how important it is for people to feel supported not just medically, but mentally and emotionally too. Campaigns like Stage4You help to normalise conversations around wellbeing and encourage people to take time to check in with themselves, access support, and connect with others who understand what they’re going through.”
Emma Roffe, Oncology Country Head (UK & Ireland) at Takeda UK, says: “With insight from the community, we started to understand that living with stage 4 cancer is deeply complex and the specific needs of the community are often unmet — leading to a sense of isolation and feeling unheard. That is why Stage4You is here to support people on their own terms and to help them feel seen — whether they need practical tips, encouragement, connection to others or simply permission to take a break.”
- Bowel Cancer UK's support and information on emotional wellbeing is here for you and your loved ones.
- From diagnosis and treatment to living with and beyond bowel cancer, we provide expert information and support for everyone affected by the disease.
- This Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, we’re asking everyone to help raise awareness of the disease, so everyone has the best chance of an early diagnosis. Knowing the symptoms is important to help spot bowel cancer early. The earlier it’s found, the more treatable it’s likely to be. Get involved today and #PassItOn.
