Bowel cancer survivor: Do not ignore symptoms during coronavirus pandemic
A Jersey woman who has survived bowel cancer says she fears the coronavirus pandemic could cause people with symptoms to delay getting medical help.
Debbie Taylor was diagnosed with bowel cancer in December 2018 after having a series of tests to investigate symptoms including passing blood when she went to the toilet.
She needed to have surgery and chemotherapy but has now completed her treatment and her most recent scans were cancer free.
Bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer in the UK.
It is most common in those over 50 but it can affect people of all ages. If caught at its earliest stage nearly everyone diagnosed survives, but survival rates fall as the disease develops.
The subject of bowel cancer is currently being explored by the ITV drama Emmerdale where the character of Vanessa Woodfield is being treated for the disease and starting chemotherapy.
The story line coincides with Bowel Cancer Awareness Month but the charity Bowel Cancer UK has concerns that much of its planned publicity and fundraising campaigns have had to be cancelled with so much attention on coronavirus instead.
The charity worries that the effect of that could mean fewer people recognising symptoms and coming forward for treatment.
One of the charities which supports people with cancer is urging people not to ignore symptoms when there is so much attention on coronavirus.
What are the symptoms of bowel cancer to look out for?
a persistent change in bowel habit – pooing more often, with looser, runnier poos and sometimes tummy (abdominal) pain
blood in the poo without other symptoms of piles (haemorrhoids) – this makes it unlikely the cause is haemorrhoids
abdominal pain, discomfort or bloating always brought on by eating – sometimes resulting in a reduction in the amount of food eaten and weight loss
The medical advice is to see your GP if you have 1 or more of the symptoms of bowel cancer, and they persist for more than 4 weeks.
Debbie Taylor had hoped to use this month to support the campaigns planned by Bowel Cancer UK. She is urging anyone with health concerns not to die of embarrassment and go to their doctor if they have any concerns about their health.
Support for people to contact:
Jersey
The Jersey branch of Cancer Research
Jersey Cancer Relief can offer financial assistance to Jersey residents affected by cancer.
Bowel Cancer Screening Administrator 01534 444376 / bowelscreening@health.gov.je
Guernsey
The Guernsey branch of Cancer Research
Guernsey branch of CLIC Sargent
Bowel Cancer Screening Guernsey 01481 707740 / bowelcancerscreening@gov.gg
WATCH James Webster's full report here: