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\n IBS vs. IBD: Understanding the Key Differences <\/div>\n \n\t\t
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The terms Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are often confused. Although they sound similar and can share similar symptoms, IBS and IBD are very different conditions with different causes, risks, and treatments. Understanding the distinction is important for getting the right care and managing symptoms effectively. What Is IBS? Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder. This means there is a problem with how the gut works, not with its structure. Common features of IBS: \u25cf Abdominal pain or cramping \u25cf Bloating and gas \u25cf Dioarrhea, constipation, or alternating between both \u25cf Symptoms that…<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\n Case Study: Beth\u2019s Story <\/div>\n \n\t\t
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Beth, 28, has kindly shared her journey with colorectal cancer – from early symptoms to ongoing treatment, and why raising awareness in young people matters so much. Background Beth is 28 years old and recently moved into a new home with her newlywed husband, her daughter, and his children. Before her diagnosis, she worked as a ballet teacher, teaching children aged 18 months to 7 years old. Dance and nurturing young children were a huge part of her life and identity. Today, although she is no longer teaching in person, Beth continues to stay connected to the ballet world by…<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\n Details of The Mayors\u2019 Charity Cricket Match in May <\/div>\n \n\t\t
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We wanted to share details of this year’s Mayors’ Charity Cricket Match which is in aid of Occtopus and London Air Ambulance. The incredible Mayor of Abingdon has been fundraising for us all year and this is her final fundraising event for us and she would love to invite our followers. The details are below but get in touch with any questions! The Mayors\u2019 Charity Cricket Match Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea vs Abingdon-on-Thames Holland Park, Kensington Sunday 10 May (Back-up venue in case of rain: Kensington Leisure Centre) Join us for a wonderful afternoon of friendly rivalry and…<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\n We Have Funded New Specialist Equipment to Launch New High Resolution Anoscopy Service at Oxford University Hospitals <\/div>\n \n\t\t
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We Have Funded New Specialist Equipment to Launch New High Resolution Anoscopy Service at Oxford University Hospitals! We are proud to announce we have funded vital specialist equipment enabling Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH) to establish a new outpatient High Resolution Anoscopy (HRA) service. This development marks a significant step forward in the early detection and management of anal pre-cancer and cancer across the region. The newly funded equipment will allow OUH clinicians to perform high-resolution examinations of the anal canal in a comfortable outpatient setting. HRA is a leading diagnostic technique that improves the ability to identify…<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\n A huge thank you to Five Star Events <\/div>\n \n\t\t
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We wanted to say a huge thank you to Oxford based events company Five Star Events for raising an incredible \u00a37,500 for Occtopus through a series of golf tournaments throughout 2025. At the final golf tournament at the end of October, our Chair, Professor Sir Neil Mortensen, (pictured on the right) attended the event to accept the cheque in person. We are very grateful as this will make a huge impact on local patients. Thanks so much to Tony, Barry and the whole team for their dedication and commitment to put on a series of successful events and secure donations.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\n Well done and thank you to the Occtopus Oxford Half Marathon team! <\/div>\n \n\t\t
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We wanted to say a huge thank you and well done our team of 11 runners who completed the Oxford Half Marathon last weekend. Collectively, the runners raised over \u00a37,000 which is our largest amount raised at the Oxford Half to date! We hope they enjoyed it and are resting this week. A special shout out must go to our Trustee, Colorectal Consultant Surgeon Kat, who also completed the course. \u00a0 If you would like to run for Occtopus next year, please email Liz.Ashworth@occtopus.org.uk to secure your space.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\n Patient story: Colin <\/div>\n \n\t\t
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My story begins in 2017, when I first noticed some unusual symptoms and went to my GP. My problem was that I was occasionally experiencing a small leakage from my bottom, nothing major but enough to make me think there was something not quite right. My doctor thought it worthwhile for me to have a colonoscopy, which revealed a large lump near the end of my bowel. Thankfully, the biopsy showed it was benign, but I needed surgery to remove it completely. I still remember watching the surgeon at work with a strange sense of fascination. The operation was successful,…<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\n Breaking Down the CHALLENGE Trial: What It Means for Colorectal Cancer Patients <\/div>\n \n\t\t
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A landmark study \u2014 the CHALLENGE trial \u2014 which has been published in one of the top journals in the world, the New England Journal of Medicine, has given compelling evidence that structured exercise after cancer treatment can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence and improve survival for people with stage 2 or 3 colon cancer. Below, we explore the findings, what they mean in practical terms, and how patients, caregivers, and healthcare systems can use them. Key Findings Outcome Structured Exercise Group Control Group (Standard Advice via Booklets) Disease-free at 5 years ~80 % ~74 %\u00a0 Overall survival at…<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\n Best of luck to our Oxford Half Marathon runners! <\/div>\n \n\t\t
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Best of luck to our Oxford Half Marathon runners! We just wanted to say a huge thank you and best of luck to our Oxford Half Marathon Runners! The iconic flat route is taking place on 12 October 2025 and we have a fabulous team of 11 running for Occtopus. Included in this total are four runners from the colorectal team at Churchill Hospital, Oxford. Consultant Colorectal Surgeons Kat Baker, Ed Dickson, Bruce George and Consultant Anaesthetist \/ ICU Laura Vincent are on a mission to raise awareness and drive funding for bowel cancer, Crohn\u2019s and colitis. By taking on…<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n<\/div>","max_pages":9}