BCW

Why Bowel Cancer West?

Bowel cancer is newly diagnosed in 30,000 people in the UK every year, its incidence is increasing with our aging population. At Derriford, Plymouth we treat 400 cases per year, with other Trusts in the area typically treating 150-300 cases per year.

Bowel Cancer West (BCW) is an established fund which has been formed to improve the way we diagnose and treat patients with bowel cancer.  We can do this by supporting the training of Doctors and Nurses who look after Bowel Cancer Patients and by funding clinical research into Bowel Cancer in the West country . It is has been established to further support and develop the activities of the colorectal unit at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, and is led by Colorectal Consultant Mark Coleman MD FRCS. Mark has pioneered the progression of training and interest in the use and development of laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery across the West Country. He was appointed in 2008 as National Clinical Lead for the National Training Programme in Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery (Lapco).

Bowel Cancer West was launched in March 2010, and it has already started to acrue monies from local fund raising activities, this has allowed the first research project to be commissioned which is outlined in our news section.  The charity is currently in the process of formally being registered which will be completed in the next few months.

Following recent promotion of Bowel Cancer West, we have been contacted by a number of individuals seeking more information to 'Frequently asked Questions' and the BCW team will shortly be bringing you a summary of the questions received and some guidance on a number of points that have been raised.

Our challenge in 2011is to raise £100,000 to enable some further, larger scale research projects to be undertaken, we welcome support from anyone wishing to take part in our funding raising challenge, contact should be made to info@bowelcancerwest.org.uk   There is a link to some fund raising challenge ideas in our news section of the web site.