A mother-of-three has lived for years without knowing she had bowel cancer after doctors mistook her symptoms for menopause. Jennifer Chambers, 48, from Derbyshire, consulted her doctor several times over two years, but initially nothing was found, and later it was thought to be menopause.
Last year, a colonoscopy revealed a 4cm tumour blocking her bowel. By then, the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes and liver, making it incurable. Mrs Chambers is now undergoing extensive chemotherapy.
She urged anyone with unusual symptoms lasting over two weeks to get checked, and to push for second or third opinions if needed. Three years ago, she began feeling fatigued and had anxious feelings in her stomach. In February 2020, a doctor suggested menopause, but in September, a menopause specialist said her symptoms were not typical, leading to a colonoscopy.
Mrs Chambers said: 'There were quite a few opportunities where it could have been picked up and was unfortunately missed.' She added: 'I find myself in a devastating situation where my cancer is classed as incurable... While there is a plan, there is hope.'
She and her family are raising money for MacMillan through fitness events, having raised £8,000 so far.
