Let’s talk 2025 awareness: January to March

Raising crucial awareness for digestive symptoms and conditions is something that is second nature to us at Guts UK, and many of our dedicated supporters. But it should be something that’s second nature to everyone.

There is still a stigma surrounding our digestive symptoms, conditions and the very workings of the vital role our digestive system plays in our bodies, every minute of every day. From processing our food, taking vital nutrients back into our bodies, and releasing things like insulin into our blood, these are just a few of the things that our fascinating digestive systems do!

What does 2025 look like at Guts UK when it comes to raising awareness?

Our research has shown us that raising awareness for digestive symptoms and conditions is so important. With so many people still uncomfortable talking about their digestive systems, things must change. We are dedicated to helping the UK get to grips with guts and won’t stop until there is a world that doesn’t need us.

Raising awareness is one of our three charitable objectives. Our research tells us that 58% of people are embarrassed to talk about their digestive condition or symptoms and 51% of people delay seeking advice for their symptoms for over 6 months. We empower people to speak up and seek the help they need, when they need it.

Here’s a little taster of what the first three months of 2025 will look like in terms of raising awareness at Guts UK…

January 2025

13th to 17th January: Less Survivable Cancers Awareness Week

Founded by the Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce (LSCT) and formally an awareness day, this powerful movement aims to raise awareness around inequalities in cancer care and treatment and highlight what needs to be improved.

Guts UK is a founding charity member of the Less Survivable Taskforce (LSCT). The LSCT was set up by a group of charities, all aiming to double the survival rates of the six less survivable cancers by 2029. Four out of six of these cancers are digestive:

• Stomach
• Oesophageal
• Pancreatic
• Liver

and two out of six are outside of the digestive system:

• Brain
• Lung

The average five-year survival rate amongst these cancers is just 16%.

Visit our Less Survivable Cancers Awareness Week page and find out more by clicking here.

February 2025

1st to 28th February: Oesophageal Cancer Awareness Month

Oesophageal cancer has been overlooked for decades and it is a priority for us at Guts UK charity.

In the UK, we’ve made huge strides forward when it comes to survival rates for cancers such as breast or prostate, but oesophageal hasn’t seen the same investment.

NHS data shows that 20% of oesophageal cancer cases were actually diagnosed at emergency settings such as A&E. This tells us that people are being diagnosed at much later stages, when the cancer is harder to treat and fight.

We aim to raise awareness of the often under-recognised symptoms of oesophageal cancer and empower people to seek help sooner.

Find out more on our Oesophageal Cancer Awareness Month Awareness page by clicking here.

2nd – 8th February: Feeding Tube Awareness Week

Some people with digestive conditions may need a feeding tube. Sadly, there can be misunderstandings surrounding feeding tubes and even judgement. At Guts UK charity, we work hard to help remove these stigmas and you can help too. Not every illness is visible and you don’t have to meet a set “look” to need a feeding tube.

Many conditions or reasons could mean a feeding tube is necessary including achalasia, gastroparesis, cancer, an eating disorder, a blockage in the bowel, severe diarrhoea, sickness and more.

Find out more on this vital awareness week by clicking here to head to our awareness page.

March 2025

In March 2025, we don’t take part in or run any awareness campaigns, but our schedules are still jam-packed as we help the nation get to grips with guts.

Preparation is in full swing for #GUTSelfie 2025 which takes place in June and throughout the year. There is also lots going on behind the scenes for upcoming awareness events later in the year, such as:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Awareness Month in April
• Bowel Cancer Awareness Month in April
• Microscopic Colitis Awareness Week in April

We’ll also be busy putting our Spring/Summer 2025 magazine together, which will land on doorsteps in the spring. You can sign up to receive our magazine twice per year by post. To get your copy, send an e-mail to [email protected] with your full name and address, letting us know that you’d like to receive the magazine. Until then, you can catch up with our latest news and events in our Autumn/Winter 2024 magazine.

You can also keep up to date with us each month by signing up for our e-news in the footer at the bottom of this webpage.

Awareness is an everyday thing!

Even though there are specific awareness events for some digestive symptoms and conditions, raising awareness is an everyday thing. In the conversations we have with those around us. In the time we take to learn about our digestive systems and things that could indicate we need to seek medical help, such as blood in our poo. In the way we share our stories, such as on social media (find us by searching for ‘gutscharityuk’ on social media). These are just a few of the ways that you can help the UK to get to grips with guts!

Guts UK is the charity for the digestive system from top to tail: the gut, liver and pancreas.

Our mission at Guts UK is to:

• Provide expert information: We believe that information is power. When armed with the right information, patients can take control of their health and make informed decisions.
• Raise public awareness: Our research shows that 58% of people are embarrassed to talk about their digestive condition or symptoms and 51% of people delay seeking advice for their symptoms for over 6 months. We empower people to speak up and seek help. 
• Fund life-changing, life-saving research: We are the only UK charity funding research into this misunderstood and underfunded area of health. It’s time the UK got to grips with guts.