FAQ — Bowel Cancer Support North Wales

Question 1

Who can attend the support group?

Accepted Answer

Anyone affected by bowel cancer is welcome — patients at any stage of their journey, survivors, carers, family members and friends. You do not need a referral or diagnosis to attend.

Question 2

Is the group free to attend?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our meetings are completely free to attend. There are no membership fees or charges of any kind.

Question 3

Do I need to book in advance?

Accepted Answer

No booking is required. You are welcome to simply turn up to any of our meetings. If you would like to let us know you are coming, or if you have any questions beforehand, you are welcome to contact us.

Question 4

Is the group run by medical professionals?

Accepted Answer

We are a peer support group run by volunteers who have personal experience of bowel cancer. We are not a medical service and do not provide clinical advice, but we can share experiences and point you towards helpful resources.

Question 5

Where and when do you meet?

Accepted Answer

We hold two monthly meetings. The first is on the 1st Thursday of every month, 7pm–9pm, at the Tesco Community Room, Tesco Extra, Crescent Road, Wrexham, LL13 8HF. The second is on the 3rd Thursday of every month, 7pm–9pm, at the Beaufort Hotel, Mold, CH7 6RQ.

Question 6

What happens at a meeting?

Accepted Answer

Meetings are informal and relaxed. Members share experiences, offer mutual support, and chat over refreshments. There is no set agenda — the conversation goes wherever members need it to go.

Question 7

Are the meetings confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Everything discussed within the group is treated as confidential. We ask all members to respect the privacy of others.

Question 8

Can I bring a family member or carer?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Family members and carers are very welcome to attend alongside the person affected by bowel cancer, or on their own if they need support.

Question 9

What is bowel cancer?

Accepted Answer

Bowel cancer (also called colorectal cancer) is a cancer that begins in the large bowel, which includes the colon and rectum. It is one of the most common cancers in the UK. Early detection significantly improves outcomes.

Question 10

What are the common symptoms of bowel cancer?

Accepted Answer

Common symptoms include a persistent change in bowel habits, blood in or on your stools, abdominal pain or bloating, unexplained weight loss, and extreme tiredness. If you have any of these symptoms, please see your GP. We are a support group and cannot provide medical advice.

Question 11

Where can I find more information about bowel cancer?

Accepted Answer

Bowel Cancer UK (bowelcanceruk.org.uk) and Cancer Research UK (cancerresearchuk.org) are excellent sources of information. Your GP or hospital team are also the best people to speak to about your individual situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions

About the Group

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Bowel Cancer

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