Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a formidable adversary that doesn't discriminate by age. While traditionally associated with those over 65, it's a growing concern for younger adults, with rates climbing since the 1990s. This alarming trend has prompted a shift in screening guidelines and a surge in awareness campaigns. One such advocate is Cheryl, a survivor of stage 3 colorectal cancer, who at 44, faced the life-threatening disease head-on. Now, she's on a mission to ensure others don't make the same mistake of ignoring critical warning signs.

Cheryl's story is a stark reminder that vigilance is key. She's taken to TikTok, sharing her experience to educate her followers about the symptoms she overlooked. Her message is clear: early detection can save lives, and ignoring persistent health issues can have dire consequences.

Regular bowel movements and checkups may lower the risk of colorectal cancer. Image Credit: Pexels/Miriam Alonso

As members of the Seniors Discount Club, it's crucial to stay informed about the potential signs of bowel cancer. Here are the symptoms Cheryl wishes she had acted on sooner.

Persistent Stomach Ache: Cheryl recalls the severe stomach pain she endured after meals, which she initially mistook for a food allergy. If you find yourself regularly in discomfort following eating, it's time to consult a doctor.

Changes in Bowel Movements: Occasional constipation or diarrhoea might not raise alarms, but when these symptoms become a regular occurrence, it's a red flag. Cheryl experienced severe constipation followed by diarrhoea for years before her diagnosis. If your bowel habits have changed drastically, don't delay in seeking medical advice.

Low Iron Levels: Two decades before her diagnosis, Cheryl struggled with low iron, which prevented her from donating blood. Unexplained anaemia can be a sign of internal bleeding, often caused by bowel tumours, and warrants immediate investigation.

Chest Pain and Dizziness: During physical activity, Cheryl experienced a racing heart and chest pain, symptoms she later learned were due to her body prioritising blood flow to her tumours. If you're experiencing similar cardiovascular symptoms, it's essential to get checked out.

Blood in Stool: Perhaps the most alarming sign is the presence of blood in your stool. Cheryl initially dismissed this symptom as haemorrhoids, a decision she now regrets. Whether it's bright red or a darker shade, blood in your stool should never be ignored.

In 2024, bowel cancer claimed the lives of around 5,000 Australians, making it the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the country. This statistic is a sobering reminder of the importance of being proactive about our health.

The Australian Department of Health and Aged Care recommended Australians between ages 45 to 74 to do a bowel cancer screening every two years. Australians may do the bowel cancer screening at the comfort of their homes for free thanks to the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.

Cheryl's parting advice is poignant: 'Don’t be like me if you are truly having issues, then go get checked. Early detection is the key. It’s OK to be nervous and afraid, but not to the point of doing nothing.'

It's a call to action for all of us to be more attentive to our bodies and to seek medical attention when something seems amiss.

Key Takeaways

• A bowel cancer survivor has urged others not to ignore symptoms after sharing her own experiences with the disease on TikTok.
• Cheryl was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer at age 44 and has highlighted five signs of the disease she had overlooked.
• Oncologists have noted a concerning increase in bowel cancer cases among adults under 50, attributed partially to lifestyle and environmental factors.
• Early detection of colorectal cancer significantly improves survival chances, and Cheryl's story underscores the importance of seeking medical advice when experiencing persistent symptoms.

We urge our readers to take these symptoms seriously and to discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider. Have you or someone you know experienced similar symptoms? How did you address them? Share your stories in the comments below to help raise awareness within our community. Remember, your experience could encourage someone else to get the help they need.

 

[Wandiwa]

Remember to use the FREE bowel cancer screening kit issued every 2 years by the govt.

 

[deni67]

I could have written that.

On the 29th of April last year I was rushed to hospital after falling and having my blood pressure shoot through the roof.

Ironically that was the anniversary of my sons death in 2017, 9 days after his 33rd birthday, I also lost my mother in the same year.

I don't remember anything after I arrived at the hospital until I woke up from emergency surgery to remove a stage 2 bowel cancer tumor, and while under I got given a stoma and had my hair shaved nearly off by an angry surgeon.
Long story short there, he did it because I refused to go to my doctor due to my hair being so badly knotted so he fixed that by taking it off, I had really long blonde hair, after that I had short grey hair.

Fast forward to last October and I was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer, all because I ignored the symptoms, I knew something was wrong but was too stubborn to get it checked, if I had when I noticed them I wouldn't be in the predicament i'm in now..
I can't walk or stand for more than about 15 seconds now, I have a permanant walker, one of those four wheeled ones with the seat and basket on them.
I'm tired all the time but I only manage 2 to 3 hours sleep a night.
My wonderful oncologist is going to give me intense radiation in the coming weeks, she doesn't want to give me chemo because it would probably kill me before the cancer would.
Last Friday I had another cat scan and pet scan, I didn't mind the former but I hated the pet scan, I can't bear being in a very small darkened room for an hour without being allowed to read a book, listen to music, or even use my phone. You have to stay still so all of your muscles relax, then going into the machine was awful, I admit I had a bit of a sook but the nursing staff were second to none.
But my oncologist has great faith that i'll still be here this coming September when I have another colonoscopy booked in.

So folks, please please PLEASE DO NOT ignore the symptoms as in the story above, you don't want to be where I am today, iv'e gone from a vibrant energetic 65 year old to a run down 90 year old, or so it feels.