It is taking too long for people with Crohn’s or Colitis to be diagnosed. A quarter wait more than a year for a diagnosis, and nearly half will end up in A&E at least once before they start treatment.    

Why? Too often, we are too late in going to the doctor when we have the key symptoms for Crohn’s or Colitis, such as frequent diarrhoea, stomach pain, urgent need to go or seeing blood in poo. Left unchecked for too long, Crohn’s and Colitis can be life threatening. People who experience the longest delays are four times more likely to have serious bowel complications and twice as likely to have surgery.   

Too many people brush aside the most common symptoms of Crohn's and Colitis, putting them down to everyday events such as “a dodgy tummy”, “work or relationship anxiety”, or “too much partying”. There’s also a misconception that you have to be severely ill to have Crohn’s and Colitis, that these symptoms are something everyone experiences, and they’re nothing to be concerned about especially if they come and go.

Many people recognise they have symptoms but delay contacting a healthcare professional because they feel embarrassed, scared or because they don’t have the right words to describe their symptoms. Too often people are looking elsewhere to self-diagnose, and unproven remedies found online are giving false hope and delaying seeking advice and diagnosis.  

We say “cut the crap” to all the excuses and the unverified treatments and advice and urge people to use our symptom checker which was developed in partnership with expert clinicians.    

You’ll know within 30 seconds what to do and what symptoms to discuss with your GP. You can even receive a letter personalised with your symptoms to give to your GP - to help start the conversation. 

Cut the crap. Don’t delay. Check for Crohn's or Colitis today. 

Help us raise awareness of symptoms and the need for early diagnosis. You can share our campaign advert and download and print, or order posters to share in your local community.