“I was diagnosed with stage-two bowel cancer. My symptoms were not typical for this type of cancer as the only symptom I experienced was constipation. I phoned to see the GP about it and, as I didn’t think I needed a duty appointment, I decided to wait the three to four weeks for a general appointment. In the meantime, the constipation got so bad that I went to the pharmacy for some laxatives, however, the pharmacist advised me to visit my GP. At this stage, I did have some blood in my stool, but I put this down to the area having a tear.

During my first GP appointment, the doctor did some blood tests and took a stool sample; however, she wasn’t very concerned. Bowel cancer was on my radar as a close friend had received his own stage-four bowel cancer diagnosis, even though his symptoms were very different to mine.

The GP offered a high level of care, and as soon as I said I needed a duty appointment, the GP green-lighted it, meaning my case was made a priority. My GP couldn’t have done any more for me; she acted straight away and I didn’t have to fight for anything.

It took about five weeks from me experiencing the initial symptoms to being diagnosed with cancer. It took one week from my sample being taken to getting the diagnosis. The sample showed elevated levels of inflammation, so another was needed. There were traces of blood in the sample, so I was sent for a colonoscopy within four days. At this point, I was told I had cancer.

The colonoscopy was done on a Tuesday, and I had a CT scan on the Friday for staging. We were in the process of moving house with two young children, and I went from feeling positive and excited about the future to feeling pure fear. At times, I was tearful and anxious. For me, the not knowing and the myriad of potential different outcomes were the hardest things to cope with.

I was incredibly relieved to be diagnosed at stage two. No chemo was needed, only surgery.

My colorectal nurse was amazing. She even called me the night of the multidisciplinary team meeting to give me my staging results, so I didn’t have to worry for another night to be officially informed.

I was not eligible for bowel screening as I am too young. I am aware of some screening opportunities, such as the mammogram, and I know the age is 40 years and over. However, I do not want to partake in unnecessary scans due to the risk. I am as proactive about my health as possible: I eat a healthy diet, I don’t have chemicals in the house, and I drink filtered water. I was offered genetic testing after my diagnosis due to family history and was given the all-clear.

I am always happy to discuss cancer and the symptoms, as they are all so different. I feel comfortable talking about the topics, especially when I am emotionally together.”