19/04/2026
This we’re focusing on early diagnosis and asking people to help us raise vital awareness of the disease.
All this month we’re sharing stories from our community who were diagnosed at either stage 1 or 2. Today’s story is from Rob. He was diagnosed at stage 2, aged 39.
“I was experiencing a lot of fatigue. Often, weekends would wipe me out running after the kids, coaching a youth football team.
“I had a pain in my right side which I put down to an ongoing cough and a winter bug. I went to see my GP who suggested some blood tests. After a few days my GP contacted me to say that I was severely anaemic and showing signs of blood loss.
“I was told after my CT that I had a large tumour in my large intestine and would require surgery. I was in shock looking back.
“I felt I shouldn’t have to face this at 39 and I was scared for what the future held. The unknown aspects were the worst, waiting for test results and the many avenues of outcomes. Once I had a plan, I could mentally get behind it and prepare myself.
“A couple of weeks after my colonoscopy I underwent a seven-hour operation – a right hemicolectomy – to remove the tumour and reconnect the healthy part of my system. At first this was done via keyhole surgery, but as the tumour was large I needed opening up further. I ended up with a nice scar to take home.
“The night I got home I had terrible post-operative bloating which caused a lot of pain and sickness. I was in agony. Thankfully it passed and I was able to slowly start my recovery. After a few painful weeks of physical and mental recovery I returned to work in May, easing back into the new ‘normality’.
“My tumour was analysed and was deemed a stage 2 cancer due to its size. Due to early intervention, it was decided that I didn’t need chemotherapy, just screening.
“Getting help early was key for me: getting diagnosed early via my GP and not letting a ni**le go unnoticed. A few more weeks or months of brushing my symptoms under the carpet could have led to a very different outcome.
“I’d also stress that there’s so much help in the build-up to diagnosis and treatment, but there is a massive gap in supporting those getting back to work emotionally. Cancer changes you as an individual. Recovery for me has been quite long, despite my not needing further treatment. We need to raise awareness about the recalibration needed post-cancer.”
Thank you, Rob, for sharing your story with us. We really appreciate you highlighting the importance of early diagnosis, and the realities of back get to your new normal.
To read the rest of Rob’s story or more like it, go to https://bit.ly/4c2yptu
