A young woman diagnosed with an advanced stage of bowel cancer at just 24 years old has issued a vital public health warning, urging others not to dismiss three key symptoms she experienced.
A Shocking Diagnosis at a Young Age
Paige Seifert received the life-altering news that she had stage three colon cancer at the very start of 2025. Colon cancer falls under the broader category of bowel cancer, which is among the most common forms of the disease in the UK. Her diagnosis at such a young age is a stark reminder that the illness can affect people far below typical screening ages.
Stage three is the second-most serious stage, indicating the cancer had spread to nearby tissue and lymph nodes, though it had not reached other organs. Paige took to TikTok to share her story, emphasising the symptoms that prompted her to seek medical help while cautioning viewers that these signs do not automatically mean cancer.
The Three Symptoms That Led to a Diagnosis
Paige outlined three crucial warning signs she experienced, which together convinced her something was wrong. She stressed that while these can be linked to many other conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or coeliac disease, they warrant a doctor's investigation.
1. Blood in the Stool
Noticing blood in your stool is one of the most common red flags for bowel cancers. For Paige, this was the clearest signal. "If you're seeing blood in your stool [at all], that's your number one [sign to] go see a doctor," she advised. She noted that the first four doctors she consulted initially attributed it to haemorrhoids, highlighting the importance of persistence in seeking a definitive answer.
2. Debilitating Fatigue
While tiredness is common, Paige described a profound, unshakeable exhaustion characteristic of cancer-related fatigue. "My eyes were slamming shut all the time. It didn't matter if I got 12 hours of sleep; I was just exhausted," she explained. Persistent fatigue, especially alongside other symptoms, requires medical evaluation.
3. Unexplained Stomach Discomfort
Digestive issues and abdominal pain are typical with bowel cancers, though they can also indicate numerous other ailments. Paige recalled that for her, a combination of stomach discomfort with the other symptoms created a compelling picture that something was amiss.
The Critical Message: Advocate for Your Health
Paige's main takeaway from her ordeal is the vital importance of self-advocacy. She consulted four separate doctors before receiving her correct diagnosis. Her message is clear: if you feel something is not right with your body, you must persist in seeking answers and not be dismissed.
Bowel cancer is easier to treat when detected early. The NHS lists several potential symptoms, including:
- A persistent change in bowel habit (softer poo, diarrhoea, or constipation).
- Needing to go more or less often than usual.
- Blood in the poo, which may look red or black.
- Unexplained abdominal pain, a lump, or bloating.
- Unintentional weight loss.
- Feeling very tired or breathless (signs of anaemia).
When to seek medical advice: You should book a GP appointment if you experience any symptoms for three weeks or more. Seek an urgent appointment via NHS 111 if your stools are black or dark red, or if you have bloody diarrhoea. Dial 999 or go to A&E if you have continuous or heavy bleeding from your bottom.
For further information on symptoms and screening, visit the official NHS website.
