STOMA MYTH BUSTERS

We know that life with a stoma should be full, active, and empowering, but too often, it’s surrounded by misunderstanding, outdated ideas and opinions, or silence. That’s why we’re proud to launch our Stoma Aware Day campaign: Stoma MythBusters.

BUST THE MYTHS GET INVOLVED

Our campaign is all about challenging the myths, breaking down stigma, and replacing misinformation with real, lived experience. Whether you're someone living with a stoma, about to have stoma surgery, supporting a loved one, or just want to learn, we’re here to clear things up.

What You’ll Find in This Campaign

Common myths busted – with facts, and personal stories.
Voices from the stoma community – sharing truth, humour, and resilience.
Resources to educate others – whether it’s in your workplace, school, or social circles.
Ways to get involved – sharing your story to help bust the myths.

Why Myth busting Matters

Misinformation can lead to shame, isolation, exclusion and fear. But when we confront myths with facts and faces, we create space for confidence, dignity, and community. Stoma MythBusters aims to empower people to live their lives without limits.

Join us as we set the record straight. Because behind every myth is a chance to start a better conversation.

Ready to help bust myths?

Request your pack to start busting myths

Get Involved in Stoma MythBusters!

We’re shining a light on the truth behind living with a stoma with our Stoma MythBusters campaign, and we want you to be part of it. Here’s how you can join in:

Join the Conversation Online

Follow us on social media and check out our daily posts breaking down stoma myths. Like, share, and use the hashtags to help bust the myths.

Make a Noise in Your Community

Get in touch and we’ll send you our Stoma MythBusters pack full of information guides and flyers that you can hand out or encourage businesses and buildings to display.

Request a pack

Whatever you do, make sure you tell us so we can share and shout about your successes!Tell us

Ready to help bust myths?

Request your pack to start busting myths

Stoma MythBusters - Top 10 Myths! Click a myth to see it busted!

MYTH #1“Stoma bags smell and everyone will notice.”

Busted: Modern stoma bags are designed to be odour-proof, so unless it needs changing, you’d never know someone was wearing one.

MYTH #2“You can’t swim with a stoma.”

Busted: You absolutely can. Pools, the sea, even wild swimming, stoma bags are waterproof.

MYTH #3“Say goodbye to your favourite clothes.”

Busted: From jeans to dresses, people can wear whatever makes them feel good. Stoma bags sit discreetly under most outfits.

MYTH #4“Having a stoma ends your sex life.”

Busted: Intimacy is still very possible. It’s about comfort, communication, and finding what works for the individual.

MYTH #5“Sport and exercise are off the table.”

Busted: People with stomas run marathons, play football, and more. We even have our own Rugby League team! With time and the right support anything is possible!

MYTH #6“Only older people have stomas.”

Busted: Stomas can be needed at any age from newborn babies to people in their 90s.

MYTH #7“You can’t eat normal food anymore.”

Busted: While some foods take getting used to, most people return to a varied diet. It’s about finding what works for their bodies.

MYTH #8“Everyone will notice your stoma.”

Busted: Stoma bags are designed to be discreet. Most people won’t know unless they are told by the person living with one.

MYTH #9“A stoma is forever.”

Busted: Many stomas are temporary and reversed once their body’s healed. For some, it’s permanent, and life goes on.

MYTH #10“Life with a stoma is all downhill.”

Busted: For many, it’s the start of getting their life back, free from pain, fatigue or constant toilet trips.

Become a Stoma Mythbuster! Complete the form below to order your free mythbusters pack!

If you want to learn more about our care workshops - stoma aware training email: getinvolved@colostomyuk.org. Or go to: Care Workshops

The myths came from volunteers and other people with a Stoma.