It is estimated that one in 500 people in the UK are currently living with a stoma. Individuals of all ages can have a stoma. Stoma surgery is undertaken to treat a range of illnesses including cancer, diverticulitis and Crohns disease or following a trauma to the abdomen.

How many people in UK live with a stoma?

102,000 people Approximately 102,000 people in the United Kingdom have a stoma and around 21,000 new ones are formed every year. Its a misconception that stomas are only formed in elderly people - many stomas are required by those who are much younger, including babies and children.

How common are stomas?

Everyone can tell you have a stoma Its estimated that around 1 in 500 people in the UK have undergone stoma surgery so it is likely you have met plenty of people with a stoma without even knowing. If you work for an organisation of 2,000 employees, there is likely to be around 4 ostomates working there!

How many people have an ileostomy in the UK?

Approximately 1:500 people have a stoma in the UK. The group of people requiring stoma products have a colostomy, ileostomy, ileal conduits, urostomy, tracheostomy and the age ranges from neonates to the elderly.

Is having a stoma a disability UK?

For those of us with a stoma and underlying medical conditions then PIP (Personal Independence Payment) may well be a thing that you may be able to claim. For those who arent aware, PIP is a disability benefit that can be claimed even if you work.

Does having a urostomy shorten your life?

Having a urostomy should not affect your working life, unless your job involves heavy types of manual work such as digging. Ask your stoma nurse for advice if you are unsure about this.

Is a stoma bag classed as a disability?

Out of the 259 people who answered the chronic illness poll, 55% of them categorised their illness (the majority being IBD) as a disability. Out of 168 people who answered the stoma bag poll, 52% of them defined their stoma bag as a disability. These numbers are pretty close.