May 19, 2026
May is national Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Month, with 19 May marking World Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Day.
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are lifelong, debilitating conditions that currently have no cure. They are collectively known as IBD.
This year’s awareness campaign focuses on delayed diagnosis. Across Australia, many people live with IBD symptoms for months – or even years –before receiving a diagnosis.
This often leads to long‑term complications, emotional strain, and disruption to all aspects of life – while also increasing pressure on our healthcare system.
The Bell Tower is joining over 130 landmarks across Australia to shine a light on this issue and encourage open conversations about IBD this May.
To learn more about IBD, visit: crohnsandcolitis.org.au
Think you might have IBD-like symptoms? Use this free symptom checker: crohnsandcolitis.org.au/symptom-checker