Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week
1st - 7th December 2024
Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and microscopic colitis are the three main conditions classed as an Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
During Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Week each year, organisations from all over the globe come together to raise vital awareness. At Guts UK Charity, we are committed to being a part of this.
Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s disease is a condition that causes gut inflammation. It occurs when parts of the gut become inflamed. Symptoms include diarrhoea, abdominal pain and tiredness and inflammation can range from mild to severe. Some severe cases may need strong medicine or even surgery. It is a lifelong condition and prevalence is equal between genders.
Crohn’s disease affects 1 in every 650 people and is s commonly diagnosed is young adolescents and young adults under the age of 30.
Ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a disease of the large bowel (the colon). If the inflammation within the large bowel becomes severe enough, ulcers may form in the lining of the large bowel. Symptoms include diarrhoea, abdominal pain and bleeding or passing mucus (white jelly) from the back passage. Some severe cases may require strong medicine or even surgery.
Thought to affect around 1 in 420 people, it is becoming more common over time, with the peak age of diagnosis in people aged between 15 to 25 years old.
Microscopic colitis
Microscopic Colitis (MC) is characterised by watery diarrhoea, usually accompanied by urgency and problems with bowel control. People affected often need to identify where the nearest toilets are before leaving the house to avoid accidents and in some cases, some people are unable to leave the house. The severity of symptoms differs from person to person and can sometimes lead to a substantial decline in their quality of life. Microscopic colitis can be treated with a course of gut-specific steroids or with symptom-relieving medicines, but some people may require further treatment or investigations.
There are 17,000 new cases of microscopic colitis diagnosed each year, but the real number of people living with the condition is thought to be much higher. Scientists estimate that at least 1 in 1,000 adults are living with microscopic colitis, but it is underreported and misdiagnosed. We help to raise vital awareness, especially during April for Microscopic Colitis Awareness Week.
Stephen’s Crohn’s disease story
In October 2007, Stephen developed bad stomach pain and diarrhoea. He was prescribed steroids for asthma, which he found coincidently helped his stomach symptoms. However, when he stopped the steroids, his stomach symptoms returned. Stephen first heard a consultant say “I think you’ve got Crohn’s” on New Years Eve, 2007.
“Crohn’s disease is a lifelong disease, even when you’re in medical remission. Every day is so different and sometimes, people make comments that show that there is still so much more awareness to be raised. Recently, a lady going through digestive symptoms said to me “I hope I have Crohn’s” and I thought to myself “You really don’t understand what it is.” It’s not “just” a toilet disease, it’s pain and everything else it does to your body.”
Ben’s Crohn’s disease story
Ben needed stoma surgery for Crohn’s disease. Although Ben was in pain after surgery, he knew it was a different pain, one that would get better.
“Guts UK are great at showing people not to ignore their symptoms and this is so important. I hope they can help find more approaches into helping people be seen by a medical professional. I struggle myself around my work hours and I often feel like it’s a lot of hassle even trying to be heard, but love connecting with others with IBD and helping where I can.”
Sian’s ulcerative colitis story
Sian’s symptoms started around Christmas 2017. She started passing out a lot and thought it was just the flu. She’d come home from work and fall asleep on the sofa for hours. She tried to brush it off, but by March 2018, she noticed blood in the toilet and thought it would go away. Sian was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in October 2018.
“I wish people understood how much we have to adapt. You feel like a chameleon because you have to change constantly. It takes extra effort just to look ‘normal.’ People think when I start treatment, I’ll be fine. But the reality is, within six weeks or less, I’ll be really poorly again, and it’s exhausting explaining that every time.”
Alicia’s ulcerative colitis story
Alicia’s first memory of ulcerative colitis was seeing blood in the toilet. She searched for answers on the internet and thought the worst. Her symptoms continued and worsened. After receiving a misdiagnosis, she was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2012.
“I’m a firm believer that awareness is key to a cure. It’s also key to letting people know that you aren’t alone. Charities such a Guts UK enable not only this but also research & projects. Research that could get someone diagnosed quicker. Because the earlier your diagnosed the quicker it is to adapt and take control.”
Lorna’s microscopic colitis story
Lorna first thought she had food poisoning. But her symptoms continued and got worse. After being referred to gastroenterology for tests months later, biopsy results showed microscopic colitis.
“Awareness is vital to steer future research on microscopic colitis. It’s time to get to know this misunderstood condition so much more. This is partly why I’m supporting Guts UK by sharing my story. Nobody knows your body better than you and it’s so important to remember that. If something isn’t right, don’t ignore it. Listen to your body and know that you’re not alone.”
Why is it important to raise awareness of Crohn’s and colitis?
There are often many presumptions and misunderstandings when it comes to Crohn’s and colitis. Not every digestive condition is visible and it’s vital that those affected get the support that they need, when they need it. Guts UK exists to stop people from suffering in silence and alone.
By raising awareness, together, we can combat stigmas commonly associated with these digestive conditions and reduce misformation. We can put our trustworthy patient information into the hands of those who need it when they need it most. We can fund vital research into kinder treatments and ultimately, a cure. Together, we can create a world where talking about your guts, symptoms, and conditions is the norm.
Other awareness events in the year for Crohn’s and colitis include:
- Microscopic Colitis Awareness Week in April
- World IBD Day in May
Our friends Crohn’s & Colitis UK are the UK’s leading organisation supporting people with Crohn’s and colitis.
How can I help this Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week?
- You can help reach those suffering in silence and alone. Please consider donating £3 a month to Guts UK. Thank you.
- You can help by following us on social media and sharing our awareness and information posts throughout the awareness week itself, and any day throughout the year. Any day is a good day to raise awareness! Scroll to the bottom of this article to discover our social media links and spread the word. You never know who we might reach and help together.
- Share your own experience, or a loved ones experience with IBD to your own circles, and on your own social media channels. If you’d be interested in the possibility of sharing your story, please fill in and submit our story-sharing form.
- Fundraise for Guts UK Charity to help us abolish the taboos surrounding digestive health, and get to grips with guts. Whether it’s a sponsored silence, bake sale or a sponsored hike, you can fund life-changing research, and empower people to seek help sooner.
