For four agonising years, Millie Tanner endured excruciating stomach pains that doctors consistently dismissed as Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The 27-year-old from Surrey watched her life shrink as debilitating symptoms took over, only to discover the terrifying truth: she had advanced bowel cancer.
The Warning Signs Everyone Missed
Millie's ordeal began in 2019 with symptoms that many would recognise:
- Severe abdominal pain that left her bedridden
- Unexplained weight loss despite no changes to diet
- Extreme fatigue that made daily life a struggle
- Bloating and discomfort that worsened over time
"I was passed from pillar to post," Millie recalls. "Doctors kept telling me it was IBS and anxiety. I started to believe I was going mad."
The Shocking Diagnosis That Changed Everything
After years of being fobbed off, Millie's persistence paid off when she secured a private colonoscopy in January 2023. The results were devastating: stage 3 bowel cancer that had spread to five lymph nodes.
"I was only 26 when I was diagnosed," Millie shares. "The surgeon told me if I'd waited another six months, I might not be here."
Why Young Adults Are At Risk
Bowel cancer is increasingly affecting younger people, with cases rising alarmingly among those under 50. The similarity between IBS symptoms and early bowel cancer signs often leads to dangerous delays in diagnosis.
Key differences doctors should note:
- Unexplained weight loss is more common with cancer
- Bleeding from the bottom requires immediate investigation
- Persistent change in bowel habits lasting more than three weeks
- Family history of bowel cancer increases risk significantly
Fighting Back and Raising Awareness
Following her diagnosis, Millie underwent intensive treatment including surgery and chemotherapy. She's now using her experience to help others, working with Bowel Cancer UK to raise awareness about the importance of early detection.
"If something doesn't feel right, keep pushing," Millie urges. "You know your body better than anyone. Don't let anyone dismiss your concerns."
Her message to medical professionals is equally clear: "Please take young people seriously. Cancer doesn't care how old you are."
