Symptoms

At just 44 years old, Emma was diagnosed with suspected Stage 4 bowel cancer, something that came as a surprise to her.

“I’ve always kept fit and eaten well, and generally looked after my body, so I feel incredibly unlucky to have got bowel cancer so young.”

Emma had always been slightly anaemic, but this got much worse during her pregnancy in 2022.  Naturally, she put this and other possible symptoms, like a bit of constipation, down to her pregnancy and was given iron supplements to take.

During the first year after her daughter was born, she had none of the usual bowel cancer symptoms but was increasingly tired and breathless. Again, she put this down to being a new mum. As a runner, she first noticed how her low energy impacted her running, leading to not being able to go up stairs without feeling out of breath. When she had her iron levels checked at the end of 2023, they were found to be very low – almost half what they should be.

Tests and Treatment

Her GP wanted to check what was going on, so in addition to having iron infusions she was also asked to complete a FIT test – which looks for traces of blood in your poo. In January 2024, Emma then went on to have a colonoscopy (a small camera that checks the inside of your bowel). The colonoscopy found a 3cm tumour on Emma’s bowel, and further scans showed very tiny lesions on her liver. Emma said, “hearing the words “I’m sorry” and “it’s cancer” were horrific and the feeling is indescribable. It was such a shock”.

All this was happening while Emma was also being made redundant and about to celebrate her little girl’s first birthday, so it was a very difficult time. “February 2024, was definitely what I would call the worst time of my life.”

On 14 February 2024, the hospital started Emma on three months of chemotherapy, followed by an operation in June 2024 to remove half her bowel, called a right hemicolectomy, and 42 lymph nodes, two of which contained a small number of cancer cells.

Living With and Beyond Cancer

Emma is currently followed up with scans every six months to monitor recurrence and any liver lesions. So far these have been all clear. With the treatment she has had, Emma is now considered to have had Stage 3 bowel cancer and classed as cancer-free.

In her own words, Emma says that although she has recovered quickly and brilliantly, it has not been easy. Coping with the mental trauma and physical side effects throughout and after treatment were challenging, but overall, she is adamant that her recovery was helped by maintaining her fitness throughout, eating healthily, the support of her family and friends, and keeping a sense of humour and positive mindset throughout.

Emma also says that every member of her hospital team were outstanding, in particular her GP and dedicated cancer nurse. “The NHS reacted quickly and I cannot fault the care I have received to date.” 

Find out more about bowel cancer and the FIT test