Claire J, Dry July

“Six years ago, our families’ lives changed forever when we lost our dad to cancer. Our dad was initially diagnosed with bowel cancer after feeling a change in his gut. I remember when he first thought something felt ‘off’, he initially thought maybe he had accidentally swallowed a toothpick. However, upon further investigation, we were told what we thought was the worst news possible. It was cancer.

Unfortunately, the worst news was yet to come. After operating to remove the tumour in his bowel, we learned that it was caught too late. He was diagnosed with stage four cancer that had spread to his kidney, lungs, and lymph nodes. At 46, he was told his cancer was untreatable and he only had months to live. Although we were told by the doctors that his strain of cancer was non-hereditary, it is something that has taken the lives of my Great Grandfather and my Grandmother (on my dad’s side), so is something that my family do need to be conscious of.

My three brothers and I were advised to complete regular checks, starting 10-years prior to our dad’s initial diagnosis. For me, turning 34 this year really hits home. The idea of ‘not knowing’ always seemed to be the best route. However, I’m committed to practice what I preach and ‘check my poo’ this year. My fiancé and I are getting married this year, and if there had have been more awareness around bowel cancer, maybe, just maybe my Dad would be here to walk me down the aisle on my wedding day.

I urge all Australians to normalise talking about your poo! If something seems out of the normal, speak up! Talk to your doctor or specialist. 99% of bowel cancer cases can be successfully treated when detected in the earliest stage.” – Claire

If you were inspired by Claire’s fundraising activities and would like to support Bowel Cancer Australia through Dry July, further details are available here.