In an exclusive account, a 43-year-old mother of two has revealed how she nearly died from sepsis after a delayed bowel cancer diagnosis, urging others to take free home screening tests seriously. Charlie O'Brien's harrowing experience comes as the NHS announces significant changes to bowel cancer screening protocols, designed to enhance early detection and save lives.
NHS Implements Crucial Screening Enhancements
New plans unveiled today aim to increase the sensitivity of bowel cancer screening across England, with projections indicating a potential six per cent reduction in late-stage diagnoses and fatalities from the disease, which currently claims approximately 17,500 lives annually. Starting next month, NHS England will lower the threshold for the faecal immunochemical test (FIT), a home screening kit offered to all individuals over 50 that detects blood in stool samples—a possible indicator of bowel cancer.
By reducing the trigger level for further investigation from 120 micrograms of blood per gram of sample to 80 micrograms, the health service expects to provide 35 per cent more screening colonoscopies each year. These procedures are critical for diagnosing or ruling out the disease. Additionally, digital alerts will be sent to eligible individuals to notify them of upcoming screening tests, as part of the National Cancer Care plan set to be published by the Government next week, with the goal of transforming cancer care by 2035.
Expert Insights on Early Detection
Peter Johnson, National Clinical Director for Cancer at NHS England, emphasised the vital role of FIT tests in improving patient outcomes. He explained, “Earlier detection can mean less intensive treatment and ensures the best chance of survival. In many cases, people could avoid facing cancer altogether by having dangerous polyps removed before they cause harm.” While GPs can arrange FIT tests for younger symptomatic patients, charity Bowel Cancer UK reports that one in four people are still diagnosed in emergency settings like A&E, often when the cancer is more advanced.
A Mother's Traumatic Journey
Charlie O'Brien, a 43-year-old mother, was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer in January 2025 after presenting at her local A&E department. She had previously been given a FIT test by her GP but failed to use it. Married to Heart radio presenter Jason King, 51, Charlie had a history of irritable bowel syndrome and experienced acute constipation in the months leading up to her diagnosis. Despite multiple GP visits where she was prescribed laxatives, her symptoms worsened.
Recalling the critical moment, Charlie said, “After 12 days of not even being able to pass wind, my husband drove me to A&E. I was sent straight for a CT scan and told I had a large mass and obstruction in my bowel, which would need surgery.” Subsequent procedures led to a bowel perforation, resulting in four-quadrant peritonitis—a life-threatening inflammation. She spent 24 hours septic and underwent emergency surgery, including a complex bowel resection and colostomy, which saved her life.
Diagnosed with a T4 tumour, indicating it had grown through the bowel wall, Charlie faced a 40 per cent mortality risk during surgery. She began 11 rounds of chemotherapy six weeks post-operation, with treatments adjusted due to severe side effects like neuropathy and depression. Now in remission five months later, she reflects, “My oncologist describes me as currently in remission, but I’m aware how quickly things can change. If this experience has taught me anything, it’s that life is incredibly short and precious.”
Advocacy and Regret
Charlie, one of 2,400 UK adults under 50 diagnosed with bowel cancer each year, has become a vocal advocate for cancer awareness. She expressed deep regret over not using her FIT test earlier, stating, “What I’ll feel cross and guilty about for the rest of my life is that my GP gave me a FIT test and I never did it. I often wonder how much less traumatic things could have been for me if I’d just done that test.” She urges others to seek medical help if symptoms persist, highlighting that a half-hour colonoscopy could be life-saving.
Key Symptoms and Charity Response
Bowel cancer symptoms include:
- Blood in stools
- Change in bowel habit
- Abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue or anaemia
- Feeling the need to poo after going to the toilet
Medical advice recommends seeking help if symptoms last three weeks or more and requesting a FIT test.
Genevieve Edwards, Chief Executive of Bowel Cancer UK, welcomed the screening changes, noting, “Today’s news on bowel cancer screening in England is cause for celebration. Early diagnosis literally saves lives. Around nine in ten people survive when bowel cancer is diagnosed at the earliest stages.” She praised the increased sensitivity, aligning England with Scotland and Wales, but called for further efforts to improve access and awareness, as emergency diagnoses remain a concern.
Edwards added, “This must change. Currently one in four people diagnosed with bowel cancer are being diagnosed in emergency settings like A&E when it’s more likely to be advanced, and harder to treat.” She emphasised the importance of the forthcoming National Cancer Plan in addressing gaps beyond screening alone.
