If you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you are not alone – IBS is common with prevalence estimated at 5% to 10% worldwide. Yet many people remain undiagnosed and unaware that their symptoms indicate a medically recognized disorder.

In 1997, IFFGD designated April as IBS Awareness Month.

During this time, we join patients, family members, and caregivers to increase public awareness about IBS and help destigmatize the different types of IBS— the theme for IBS Awareness Month 2024 along with the hashtags #IBSAwarenessMonth and #IBSDilemma.  We continue to focus attention on important health messages about IBS diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life issues.

IBS Awareness Month is listed on the U.S. National Health Observances calendar. Health observances are days, weeks, or months devoted to promoting particular health concerns. Individuals, health professionals, teachers, community groups, and others can use these special times to sponsor health promotion events and stimulate awareness of health issues.

How you can get involved

The more we work together to raise awareness for IBS, the greater our ability to impact positive outcomes, such as additional research, increased educational opportunities, and improved patient care for the functional GI community. Here are a few tools for you to raise the visibility of IBS in your community.

• Download and share the 2024 IBS Awareness Month Toolkit.
• Send our 2023 IBS Awareness Month press release to your local media outlet or share a link to it on social media.
• Join IFFGD and use your voice to make a difference.
• Find other resources to raise awareness for IBS in your community, including a link to contact your legislator at Advocate for Digestive Health.
• Find IFFGD on Facebook and Twitter and join the conversation.