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UK Woman, 27, Diagnosed With Stage 4 Bowel Cancer After Years of IBS Dismissals

Her story underscores how age-based assumptions can delay referral for colonoscopy in younger patients.

Overview

  • She repeatedly sought help for constipation, bleeding and bowel changes, making about eight GP visits over six years before finally being referred in August 2024.
  • A colonoscopy showed a tumour, and a September call confirmed stage 4 colorectal cancer with metastases to her liver and lungs.
  • She has undergone surgery with a stoma and began chemotherapy in October 2024, which she intends to continue while it works.
  • Doctors told her the risk of the cancer being fatal is relatively high, and she is exploring clinical-trial options.
  • She is considering legal action over missed opportunities and is distributing symptom posters to raise awareness as media cite a reported 50% rise in under‑50 bowel cancer cases over three decades.