Particle.news
Download on the App Store

London Mother, 46, Undergoing Biweekly Chemotherapy After Colonoscopy Found Stage-Four Bowel Cancer

Her account raises concerns that UK bowel screening starting at 50 may miss cancers that earlier checks could detect.

Overview

  • Cecilia Capolupo sought GP help for post-holiday bloating and cramps, and a 26 September 2025 colonoscopy at Lister Hospital confirmed stage-four bowel cancer.
  • Doctors reported an eight-centimetre tumour with spread to her abdominal wall, liver and lungs and advised an expected survival of about two years.
  • She is receiving chemotherapy every two weeks with additional home treatment and says four rounds have left her severely unwell.
  • She believes screening from age 45 might have changed her outcome, whereas in England, Scotland and Wales routine kits arrive at 50.
  • Reports cite a five-year survival rate of about 13 percent for stage-four disease, with bowel cancer described as the UK’s third most common cancer.