I feel very fortunate…
Anna had bowel cancer – but she tells us she feels very lucky, because it was found early thanks to her daughter prompting her to see a GP.
“I used to do my bowel screening religiously, but my diagnosis came a few months before my next home-testing kit was due”.
Anna had been experiencing increased breathlessness which concerned her daughter who suggested she speak to a doctor. Anna’s test results showed she was anaemic and there was also blood found in her poo which Anna couldn’t see herself but was found using a FIT test.
Further tests concluded Anna did have bowel cancer.
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.
Anna also believes the at home bowel screening kit is really important as it can help spot the early signs of bowel cancer before you notice anything is wrong yourself.
“I feel very fortunate to have had the bowel cancer caught early. I feel very positive. I am getting my fitness back and my anemia improved very quickly as I was given two iron transfusions shortly after my diagnosis.”
Bowel cancer screening saves lives. When your home-testing kit arrives in the post, put it by the loo and do it. Don’t put it off.
Visit our bowel cancer screening page for more information.
Cancer Care Map
Support can be a lifeline for people affected by cancer. There is a wide range of services available in the Wessex area and further afield.
Cancer Care Map is a simple, free, online resource to help you find cancer support services near you.
To find support groups and services in your local area, click on the Cancer Care Map logo and enter your postcode in the search box. You can enter key words to search for more specific services.
