HOW TO CHECK

BREAKING THE POO TABOO

Research polling 1,000+ Australians* found bowels are a blind spot for Aussies when it comes to bowel cancer symptom awareness, and that checking what you’ve left behind in the loo remains a significant taboo.

  • of Australians talk about going to the toilet in the form of a joke

    of Australians talk about going to the toilet in the form of a joke

  • admit they’re too embarrassed to use the toilet at someone else’s house

    admit they’re too embarrassed to use the toilet at someone else’s house

  • also say they feel uncomfortable talking to others about going to the toilet altogether

    also say they feel uncomfortable talking to others about going to the toilet altogether

  • 73.6%

    of Aussies admit they aren’t checking their poo for possible signs of bowel cancer

  • 43.2%.

    of Aussies are are unable to correctly identify three key bowel cancer symptoms

  • 38.6%.

    of Aussies indicated they are uncomfortable talking about their bowel habit with their family

Kleenex® is partnering with Bowel Cancer Australia

Kleenex® and Bowel Cancer Australia are partnering to help raise awareness of bowel cancer and encourage Aussies to check their poo -because there’s nothing taboo about looking after your health.

^Source: Bowel Cancer Australia, Bowel Cancer Australia Facts

WHAT TO KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR

While checking your poo is a great first step – it’s important to know and understand other symptoms* of bowel cancer

Blood In Your Poo
Obvious Change In Bowel Habit

Blood
in your poo

Obvious
change in your bowel habit

Extreme Tiredness For No Reason
Weight Loss You Can't Explain

Extreme
tiredness for no reason

Weight
loss you can’t explain

Lump Or Swelling In Your Abdomen

Lump
or swelling in your abdomen

Remember, having any of these symptoms doesn't necessarily mean you have bowel cancer - it is, however, very important to have them investigated to rule out bowel cancer as an underlying cause. Visit your GP.

*Disclaimer: Having any of these symptoms doesn't necessarily mean you have bowel cancer - it is, however, very important to have them investigated to rule out bowel cancer as an underlying cause. The information contained here is not an alternative for specific, individual medical advice and guidance from your GP or health care provider, where all surrounding conditions and circumstances are known. If you are worried about your own health, seek immediate medical advice. 

Kleenex® is dedicated to supporting Bowel Cancer Australia in its aim to champion what matters most to people impacted by bowel cancer and empowering everyone affected to live their best life.

ADVOCATE STORIES

  • Julien Wiggins

    Julien Wiggins
    CEO, Bowel Cancer Australia

    Bowel Cancer Australia is dedicated to championing what matters most to people impacted by bowel cancer and empowering everyone affected to live their best life.

    The charity provides essential support services uniquely designed for bowel cancer patients via our confidential Helpline with specialist telehealth support, as well as in-person support, and a national Peer-to-Peer Support Network and Buddy Program.

    The innovative Break the taboo, check your poo campaign challenges perceptions through symptom awareness and the importance of early detection of bowel cancer.

  • Natalie

    Natalie
    Queensland mother of two, diagnosed with bowel cancer at 43

    What I wish more people knew about bowel cancer is that it’s not ‘just an ‘old man’s disease, there’s an increased prevalence among younger people. If I had known what I know now, I would have fought harder to be heard. Nobody else knows what is going on inside your own body - it’s so important to trust your body and advocate for yourself.

  • Susan 'Sooz'

    Susan ‘Sooz’
    Queensland mother of two

    Knowing and understanding the symptoms is one of the most difficult things about bowel cancer - I never had any truly definitive bowel cancer symptoms. I was diagnosed in 2023 with stage IV rectal cancer but despite surgery and chemotherapy, my cancer further metastasised to my uterus, lymph nodes, and lungs. I am still undergoing chemotherapy, which requires treatment over three days on a fortnightly basis - this has meant I am not currently able to work.

  • Jemima

    Jemima
    Victorian mother of three

    I’ve always been fit and healthy - bowel cancer or any other form of cancer for that matter, never ran in my family - but one day I had a very small bowel bleed, so I thought I would get it checked out to be on the safe side. I was diagnosed with Stage III rectal cancer - thankfully, today, I have no evidence of disease; But the permanent changes to my bowel function and ongoing lifestyle changes require constant attention and self-discipline on a daily basis

ACT TODAY. GET SUPPORT.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Kleenex® and Bowel Cancer Australia have partnered to encourage Australians to break the taboo and check their poo. By paying attention to changes in your bowel habits and knowing the signs and symptoms, you can help detect bowel cancer earlier and improve health outcomes.

    As part of the initiative, Kleenex® has released limited-edition toilet paper packs featuring a simple reminder to check your poo and stay aware of potential symptoms. Every pack helps spread awareness of bowel cancer across Australia.

  • There are several ways you can get involved:

    • Check your poo regularly and be aware of any changes.

    • Purchase a limited-edition Kleenex® toilet paper pack, available in supermarkets nationwide.

    • Learn more about bowel cancer symptoms and screening.

    • Support the work of Bowel Cancer Australia by making a donation at bowelcanceraustralia.org.

    • Having any of these symptoms doesn't necessarily mean you have bowel cancer - it is, however, very important to have them investigated to rule out bowel cancer as an underlying cause. The information contained here is not an alternative for specific, individual medical advice and guidance from your GP or health care provider, where all surrounding conditions and circumstances are known. If you are worried about your own health, seek immediate medical advice.

    • Bowel cancer is the fourth most common type of newly diagnosed cancer and the second deadliest in Australia. 14,534 people^ are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year.

      ^Source: Bowel Cancer Australia, Bowel Cancer Australia Facts

    • Yes, it is a common misconception that bowel cancer is ‘an old person’s disease and you should never be told you are too young for bowel cancer’.  Although the majority of newly diagnosed bowel cancer cases occur in people aged 50 years and over, 1 in 9 (11%) of Australians diagnosed with bowel cancer are under the age of 50. Bowel cancer is the deadliest cancer and the seventh underlying cause of death overall for Australians aged 25-44^.

      ^Source: Bowel Cancer Australia, Bowel Cancer Australia Facts

    • Bowel cancer is 99% treatable^ when detected early, yet a key barrier to early detection is stigma and taboos around checking your poo as well as a lack of symptom awareness.

      ^Source: Bowel Cancer Australia, Bowel Cancer Australia Facts