A young woman diagnosed with an advanced stage of bowel cancer at just 24 years old has issued a vital public health message, urging people not to dismiss three critical symptoms she experienced before her diagnosis.
From TikTok to Diagnosis: A Young Woman's Journey
Paige Seifert took to social media platform TikTok at the start of 2025 to share her shocking diagnosis of stage three colon cancer, a form of bowel cancer. At only 24, she was told the disease had spread to nearby tissue and lymph nodes, classifying it as the second-most serious stage. Her story highlights that bowel cancer, one of the most common cancers in Britain, can affect people of all ages, and early detection is crucial for effective treatment.
Paige was keen to stress that her symptoms do not automatically signal cancer and can be linked to many other, less serious conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or coeliac disease. "Statistically speaking, you probably don't [have cancer]," she said, advising viewers not to panic but to be proactive about their health.
The Three Symptoms That Prompted Action
Paige outlined the three key signs that convinced her to repeatedly seek medical advice, ultimately leading to her diagnosis after consulting four different doctors.
1. Blood in the Stool
Noticing blood in her stool was the clearest red flag for Paige. She emphasised that any presence of blood, regardless of its appearance or frequency, warrants a doctor's visit. "That's your number one [sign to] go see a doctor," she stated. While often caused by benign issues like haemorrhoids, as several doctors initially told her, getting a professional confirmation is essential.
2. Overwhelming Fatigue
Paige described a level of exhaustion far beyond everyday tiredness. "Cancer fatigue is a whole other level," she explained, noting her eyes would "slam shut" constantly, even after 12 hours of sleep. While fatigue alone has countless causes, its persistence alongside other symptoms is a key indicator that should not be ignored.
3. Persistent Stomach Discomfort
Unexplained stomach issues are a common feature of bowel cancers, which affect the digestive system. Paige recalled that, combined with the other symptoms, this persistent discomfort made her feel certain something was wrong, despite such pains often being attributed to numerous other conditions.
The Vital Message: Advocate for Yourself
Paige's central plea is for individuals to trust their instincts and persist in seeking answers. Her "main message" is clear: if you sense something isn't right with your body, you must "advocate for yourself." Her own path to diagnosis required seeing multiple GPs before receiving the correct tests and results, underscoring the importance of patient perseverance.
Official NHS Guidance on Bowel Cancer Symptoms
The NHS lists several potential symptoms of bowel cancer. You should see a GP if you experience any of the following for three weeks or more:
- Changes in your stool, such as softer poo, diarrhoea, or unusual constipation.
- Needing to go to the toilet more or less often than normal.
- Blood in your poo, which may appear red or black.
- Bleeding from your bottom.
- A feeling of needing to poo even after going to the toilet.
- Tummy pain, bloating, or a lump in your abdomen.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Persistent tiredness or shortness of breath (signs of anaemia).
When to Seek Urgent Care: If your stools are black or dark red, or you have bloody diarrhoea, call NHS 111 for an emergency appointment. Dial 999 or go to A&E if you have continuous bleeding from your bottom, or there's a large amount of blood (e.g., the toilet water turns red or you see large clots).
