Sydney mother warns of bowel cancer symptoms

A 33-year-old mother from Sydney, known as Tess, is sharing her experience with stage four bowel cancer to raise awareness. She initially ignored symptoms like stomach pain and fatigue, thinking they were linked to dietary issues or childbirth complications. Tess experienced several alarming signs, such as constipation, thin stools, and blood in her stool, which worsened over time. Despite multiple visits to doctors and advice that her symptoms were not serious, she was eventually diagnosed with bowel cancer that had spread to her liver. Her turning point came after she watched videos of other women discussing their bowel cancer symptoms on TikTok. Inspired, Tess pushed for a colonoscopy, which revealed a large tumor. She underwent surgery and doctors are hopeful about her recovery. Experts note that rates of bowel cancer among people under 50 are increasing worldwide. Possible reasons include unhealthy diets and a lack of exercise. In the UK, for example, bowel cancer cases among those aged 25-49 have risen significantly over the past few years. Tess encourages others not to ignore symptoms and to seek medical help early. Bowel cancer is a serious disease, and awareness is crucial for early detection and treatment.