Renee Gosney was just 25 years old when her world turned upside down. It was February 2019 when she began experiencing symptoms she couldn't quite explain: relentless gut pain, vomiting, daily bloody noses, and uncomfortable bloated feelings bloomed unexpectedly. Despite her efforts to seek medical help, her concerns were often brushed aside, leaving her feeling desperate.
After losing 11 kilograms within just one month, Renee decided to make frequent trips to her doctor. "I went back to the GP every two weeks to plead my case," she recalled. But ultrasounds indicated nothing was amiss; the experts were convinced she was fine. Yet, the agony continued to build.
It wasn't until months later, after persistent visits and increasingly intense symptoms, which included what felt like gut blockages heard by those nearby, did she receive the shocking news: she had stage three bowel cancer. Many young people like Renee have found themselves dismissed when showing symptoms commonly associated with bowel issues—only to discover they had cancer.
Bowel cancer remains one of the most prevalent forms of cancer, accounting for around 11% of all new cancer cases diagnosed each year. More than 44,000 individuals are diagnosed annually, and tragically, over 16,800 pass away from the disease.
Another brave individual, Ellie Wilcock, who is grappling with stage four bowel cancer, recently stepped forward to share her experience with the goal of raising awareness. Ellie took to social media to discuss four significant symptoms she noticed before her diagnosis, stressing one specific sign she wishes she had identified earlier. "Bowel cancer is something we should all keep our eyes on," she stated.
Ellie described her symptoms, beginning with intense pain localized on the left side of her abdomen and pelvis. Initially, she assumed it signified a urinary infection. "I thought for quite some time it was possibly spreading to my kidneys because it felt one-sided and emanated around my back," she explained. But, much like Renee's ordeal, her infection markers showed nothing was wrong. This prompted her to pursue comprehensive testing.
The NHS recognizes tummy pain, the presence of abdominal lumps, and bloated feelings as red flags for bowel cancer, among other indications. Those with pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions like IBS sometimes misinterpret these symptoms, underestimaging their severity due to common occurrences mimicking digestive challenges. When uncertainty arises, it's always best to seek skilled medical advice.
Fatigue transpired as another leading symptom for Ellie. "Typically, I’d work, come home and either hit the gym or see friends. All of a sudden, I’d be home from work and fast asleep by six," she recounted, pinpointing this exhaustion as unusual. The NHS lists indefinite tiredness as possible indicator, yet it could signal various health conditions—cancerous and non-cancerous alike. Ellie urged vigilance over such fatigue.
Ellie went on to address changes to bowel habits, with one poignant line urging people to monitor their bowel health closely. "I didn't realize it at the time, but I was experiencing changes and blood present. Reflecting back, this is one I wish I had paid more attention to," she said. Symptoms like shifting stools, or the presence of blood—specifically red or black—are notable signs of potential bowel cancer. The necessity to undergo regular examinations must be emphasized.
Finally, Ellie discussed issues concerning appetite. "Number four for me would be my lack of appetite. While I didn't lose much weight, I surely wasn't eating with my usual frequency, and there were moments of nausea. If I had only noticed ‘losing weight without trying’ or bloated feelings earlier, I might’ve acted sooner," she expressed. The official list of symptoms highlights this lack of appetite as significant, but it can vary from person to person.
Renee and Ellie’s experiences resonate with many; as they shed light on the often-overlooked signs of bowel cancer, it becomes clear just how important it is to listen to one's body. Recognizing symptoms early can make all the difference, potentially transforming the outcome of others facing similar battles.
Awareness and education about bowel cancer and its less talked-about symptoms remain pivotal. Engaging with medical professionals when experiencing unusual or persistent discomfort is non-negotiable. After all, both women have noted the power of being proactive: don't just accept things as they are. Early intervention can save lives.