At just 32 years old, Hannah Gardner's life took a devastating turn when doctors delivered news that would change everything: she had stage 4 bowel cancer that had already spread to her liver. The young mother from North Yorkshire is now sharing her story to warn others about the subtle symptoms that could indicate something seriously wrong.
The Shocking Diagnosis
"I was completely blindsided," Hannah reveals. "As a fit, healthy 32-year-old, cancer was the furthest thing from my mind. I had my whole life ahead of me and a young daughter to raise."
Her symptoms began subtly - persistent bloating, changes in bowel habits, and occasional stomach cramps. Like many young people, she initially dismissed them as stress or dietary issues. "I never imagined these could be warning signs of something as serious as bowel cancer," she admits.
Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
Hannah is now determined to raise awareness about the crucial symptoms that everyone should take seriously:
- Persistent bloating that doesn't improve with dietary changes
- Changes in bowel habits lasting more than a few weeks
- Unexplained weight loss without trying
- Blood in your stool or rectal bleeding
- Constant fatigue that doesn't improve with rest
- Stomach pain or discomfort that persists
The Importance of Early Detection
"If I'd known then what I know now, I would have gone to my GP much sooner," Hannah says. "Bowel cancer is often thought of as an older person's disease, but it can affect anyone at any age. Early detection is absolutely critical."
Since her diagnosis, Hannah has undergone intensive chemotherapy and multiple surgeries. Her treatment continues as she fights the disease that has spread throughout her body.
A Message of Hope and Awareness
Despite the challenges, Hannah remains determined to use her experience to help others. "If sharing my story saves just one person from going through what I'm going through, then it's worth it," she says emotionally.
She's calling for greater awareness about bowel cancer symptoms in younger people and encouraging everyone to trust their instincts when something doesn't feel right with their body.
"Don't be embarrassed to talk about bowel symptoms with your doctor," Hannah urges. "It could be the difference between early detection and a stage 4 diagnosis like mine. Your health is too important to ignore the warning signs."
