Jo W’s story

22 – The age I was when I was diagnosed with bowel cancer.
2007 – The year I was diagnosed with bowel cancer.

For several years before my diagnosis, I really struggled with severe constipation. At first I didn’t think too much of it, as I thought maybe I’m just ‘stressed’ or not eating enough fibre. Then I would get sporadic but intense stomach pain.

I would go to several different doctors who dismissed my symptoms due to my age. I actually remember asking for a colonoscopy a few times because it got to the point where I knew my constipation was definitely not normal. Nothing was making me go.

But I remember the exact words from the doctor … ‘YOURE TOO YOUNG FOR A COLONOSCOPY.

I would go out for dinner and only eat steamed vegetables. I would have a sip of iced tea, and I would bloat like I was 6 months pregnant. I was not living!

I would walk and walk and walk obsessively thinking that the movement would help my bowels work. But nothing ever did.

When I eventually got diagnosed, I remember my dad telling me that he thought I had anorexia because I was losing weight, but I would always complain about feeling ‘fat’ and obsessing over what I was eating.

Then in July 2007 I went on a cruise. No matter how much muesli or prunes or vegetables I ate, I didn’t use my bowels ONCE in 10 days!

After I got back, I KNEW in my head that it had to be cancer. I just knew.

So I went to the GP and DEMANDED a colonoscopy. Eventually I got given a referral.

I went and paid privately because they still didn’t think I needed one. A week before my scheduled colonoscopy I noticed blood in the toilet.

On 22 November 2007 I remember thinking to myself just before I went under – PLEASE FIND SOMETHING! I couldn’t live the way I was.

When I woke up, the doctor said he was going to bring to my mum in. That’s when I knew.
He informed us that yes, I had a tumour, but I would need a CAT scan to confirm more details.

On 27 November 2007, I was called to come into the doctor’s office.

When they told me that yes it’s bowel cancer … I screamed so loud and so angrily I TOLD YOU! I TOLD YOU!

One week later I had surgery to remove the tumour. It was found that the cancer had spread to my lymph nodes. I was due to start chemotherapy the following month. But only a month after my first surgery, I ended up getting a twisted bowel. After almost two weeks of it not clearing, I needed more surgery.

I was told after this surgery that they found the cancer had spread to my liver.

All I could think about was how my chemo would be delayed yet again due to more surgery. Knowing it was actually growing inside me made me feel so lonely and scared.

I eventually started chemo and thankfully responded well to it.

I had three months of chemo, then a break to prepare myself for a liver resection. My liver spots had shrunk enough that I was able to have the liver resection.

Once I recovered from this third surgery, I was able to finish my last three months of chemo.

18 years later and I’m still here.

There is nothing I’m more passionate about than raising awareness that YOU ARE NEVER TOO YOUNG for bowel cancer.

There is definitely more awareness now.

But I remember 18 years ago … I literally felt like a freak show because I was always reminded how young I was to have bowel cancer. I didn’t have all the information and the similar stories that I see and hear about now.

Back then I definitely felt isolated and alone.

Fast forward to 2025… I’m 40 years old and I tell my story proudly!

My one piece of advice:

Listen to your body!!!!! No one knows your own body like you do! Advocate for yourself!