A mother has bravely shared her distressing health journey after being repeatedly told her agonising symptoms were just irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – only to later discover she had stage 3 bowel cancer.
From IBS to Cancer: A Shocking Diagnosis
Emma, a 42-year-old mum, endured months of excruciating toilet struggles, including severe pain and bleeding, before doctors finally investigated further. "I knew something wasn’t right," she recalls. "But I kept being told it was just IBS."
The Symptoms Everyone Should Know
Her warning signs included:
- Persistent abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blood in stools
- Changes in bowel habits lasting weeks
Experts stress these symptoms should never be ignored, especially if they persist beyond three weeks.
A Life-Saving Push for Answers
After demanding further tests, Emma received her devastating diagnosis. "Hearing ‘cancer’ was terrifying," she admits. "But catching it at stage 3 meant treatment was still possible."
Her story highlights the critical importance of:
- Trusting your body when something feels wrong
- Pushing for second opinions
- Understanding key cancer symptoms
- Acting quickly on persistent changes
A Message of Hope and Vigilance
Now undergoing treatment, Emma shares her story to help others: "Don’t let embarrassment or dismissal stop you seeking answers. That persistence could save your life."
