Derek had no symptoms when he sent off his ‘poo stick’.

Over the years he had done his bowel screening regularly and the results had always come clear. This time, however, tiny traces of blood were found, which meant he needed further tests.

Despite this being during the Covid-19 pandemic, Derek had a colonoscopy at the hospital a week later. Within seven weeks, he had had an operation to remove the bowel cancer. It was found so early it meant that he didn’t have to have other more aggressive types of treatment, like chemotherapy.

As a busy 73-year-old, he is grateful that the bowel cancer was found at such a stage where it could just be removed. It means Derek can get on with his very active life, including supporting other veterans at a Breakfast Club and drop in.

He advises everyone to do their bowel screening. He says ‘It saved my life. It could save yours.’

Visit our bowel cancer screening page for more information.

Anna’s bowel cancer was treatable with an operation. Before she had the surgery, she welcomed the opportunity to improve her fitness by completing a six-week supervised exercise programme at her local gym.

“Being fitter helped me sail though the operation. I haven’t had any other treatment, and I am now six months on and will be followed up regularly for five years.”

Anna wasn’t aware of the signs of anaemia. As well as the breathlessness, she didn’t know hair loss and having nails like paper were also symptoms, and she says she would encourage anyone else experiencing these symptoms to speak to a health professional.