A mother-of-two described as "fit and healthy" received a terminal cancer diagnosis on the same day she went for a routine colonoscopy, after initial symptoms of bloating were mistaken for an infection.
From Holiday Indulgence to a Devastating Diagnosis
Cecilia Capolupo, 46, sought advice from her GP after returning from a family holiday in Devon in August 2025 feeling unusually bloated, having enjoyed pasties and fish and chips. The Pilates enthusiast, originally from Argentina but living in Clapham, London, was initially told it was likely an infection.
However, after noticing a small amount of blood in her stool, a colonoscopy was scheduled for September 26, 2025, at Lister Hospital. During the procedure, doctors discovered an eight-centimetre tumour. Her husband Mark was called from the waiting room, and Cecilia immediately sensed the news was grave.
"They said we have something that looks like a tumour," she said. "It was a massive shock. I never had the typical symptoms."
A Same-Day 'Death Sentence' and Fighting Spirit
The consultant called her later that same day with the devastating results. The cancer was stage-four bowel cancer and had already spread to her abdominal wall, liver, and lungs. Her life expectancy was estimated at around two years.
"I went to a routine colonoscopy and they gave me a death sentence on the same day," Cecilia revealed. "I had a panic attack, which I've never had in my life. I woke up at 2am crying. I don't wish this for anybody."
Despite the prognosis, Cecilia is determined to fight. She now undergoes chemotherapy every two weeks, which leaves her feeling "like a 90-year-old lady". She stated, "I'm not planning to die any time soon... In five years with stage-four cancer, there is a 13 per cent survival rate. I'm going for it and more if I can."
A Call for Earlier Cancer Screening
Cecilia's case highlights critical issues around bowel cancer screening in the UK. Bowel cancer is the country's third most common cancer. While Australia screens from age 45, in England, Scotland, and Wales, routine testing kits are only sent from age 50.
"I rushed when I had my first symptom and it was too late," Cecilia explained. "If I had had the check at 45, I'd be in a much better situation."
She continues to live her life as fully as possible, returning to Pilates and planning to go back to work, while spending precious time with her husband Mark, 45, and their two young sons, Máximo, six, and Rocco, four.
