‘I was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer at 25 – I had four main symptoms’

A young woman, Ellie Wilcock, shares her harrowing journey of being diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer at the young age of 25. At first, she mistook her symptoms for a urinary tract infection that had spread to her kidneys. Ellie is now raising awareness by highlighting the four main symptoms that she experienced.

Ellie’s ordeal began with what she thought was a urinary tract infection but turned out to be much more serious. She experienced symptoms such as discomfort in her stomach that wrapped around to her back. Despite initial tests showing no signs of infection, further investigations revealed that the cancer had already spread extensively in her body, reaching organs like her ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, peritoneum, omentum, and liver.

After undergoing significant treatment, Ellie was struck by the bustling environment of the oncology department during her hospital visits. This prompted her to speak out on TikTok, stressing that cancer can affect anyone and does not discriminate. She highlighted the importance of early detection in improving survival rates and simplifying treatment processes.

Reflecting on her own experience, Ellie shared the four main symptoms she had noticed. Firstly, there were noticeable changes in her bowel habits, including a mix of diarrhoea and constipation. She also experienced abdominal pain and swelling, predominantly on her left side due to a large bowel obstruction. Alongside this, fatigue was a significant issue for Ellie, causing extreme tiredness even during daily activities. Lastly, she observed blood in her stool, which led to her eventual diagnosis.

Despite being informed that her stage 4 cancer was inoperable, Ellie underwent 15 rounds of chemotherapy over ten months before the decision was made to proceed with surgery. She completed her treatment in August 2023 and will be under monitoring for the next five years for any signs of cancer recurrence.

Ellie’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of recognising the symptoms of bowel cancer early on. According to NHS guidelines, symptoms may include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, bloating, unexplained weight loss, and persistent fatigue. Seeking medical advice for symptoms lasting three weeks or more is crucial, especially if there is dark red or black blood in the stool.

In conclusion, Ellie Wilcock’s bravery and advocacy for early detection and awareness of bowel cancer symptoms serve as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges. Her story emphasises the significance of listening to one’s body and seeking prompt medical attention when experiencing concerning symptoms, ultimately underlining the potential impact of early intervention on cancer outcomes.