Co Londonderry man diagnosed with bowel cancer at 32

A man from Co Londonderry, Dale Young, shared his story of battling bowel cancer after being initially dismissed by doctors due to his age. Dale was only 32 when he started feeling extremely tired and experiencing unusual bowel movements. He thought his fatigue was just a result of his busy gym routine and work schedule. As his symptoms worsened, he experienced a severe episode that led him to seek medical attention. During a meeting, he felt a sudden urge to go to the bathroom and noticed he was passing blood. This alarming incident prompted him to visit an out-of-hours doctor. Despite his concerns, a GP attributed his symptoms to hemorrhoids, advising that he was too young for more serious conditions. However, Dale insisted on further tests, which ultimately revealed he had stage three bowel cancer. The diagnosis was surprising given his young age and led to his surgery being observed by medical students. Dale felt overwhelmed when he received the news. It was especially tough for him to inform his family, as they had just lost their mother to the same disease a year earlier. His wedding was scheduled for just a month after his diagnosis, intensifying his urgency for treatment, which was scheduled just two weeks before the big day. The surgery took a toll on Dale both physically and mentally, as he was used to staying active. During his recovery, he found comfort in hobbies like reading and gaming, supported by his family and hospital staff. Now, four years cancer-free, Dale is preparing for a five-year check-up scan. He encourages others to prioritize their health and seek medical advice if something feels wrong. Dale emphasizes the importance of not feeling invincible and cherishes the future ahead of him.