Dr Sarah Fitzgibbon: 'I’m one of a growing number of young people with bowel cancer'

The prognosis for metastatic colorectal cancer at that time was around 13 months. I suddenly had two Christmases left, not decades of them.

A cancer diagnosis is a huge shock for anyone who receives it. It can bring stigma, shame, anger, fear, despair, oodles of love, fresh-cut flowers, and boxes of handmade chocolates. It also affects everyone around them, from their family to their employer, as well as their friends and colleagues.

I was diagnosed at 37, one of a growing number of younger people with colorectal cancer. We need to find out why. We also need to ensure everyone knows the warning signs and understands they should see their GP if they are worried.

Cancer affects everyone differently, and it can be harder for those who are at a socioeconomic disadvantage. People living in poorer areas have significantly worse outcomes than those in wealthier areas.

Distance from healthcare centres also greatly impacts a person’s quality of life during treatment. People from marginalised communities often have difficulty engaging with our services, which have traditionally been designed for English-speaking white heterosexual Irish people.

People aged between 59 and 69 can be screened for bowel cancer by doing a simple home test and popping it into the post. 

Our other screening programmes for breast and cervical cancer involve attending quite invasive tests — making an appointment, travelling to the healthcare provider, taking time off work or caring duties. 

Yet, the uptake of these programmes is significantly higher than that of bowel screening. We need to change this.

Yes, poo is gross and no, no one wants to get too involved in their own faeces before they flush it away, but it literally takes two seconds to scrape a teeny bit off with the scoop and stick it into the test tube.

People happily stand in the middle of the street manhandling their dog’s poo with a flimsy plastic bag, yet a potentially life-saving interaction with our waste product seems a step too far for some.

The support and solace provided by the multiple cancer charities and advocacy groups cannot be overestimated. 

Whether counselling, an exercise programme, complementary therapies, or just a cup of tea, the knowledge that someone is there to help you through this time is immensely comforting. 

The care and compassion of the healthcare staff we encounter are also hugely important and can be life-changing, particularly on a bad day.

Ten years on, thanks to targeted therapies, I have had many more Christmases than I could have hoped for and very much plan to be here again on December 25 this year.

Being involved with this special edition for Bowel Cancer Awareness Month has been an honour. We know that bowel cancer can be prevented in many people if they take up the offer of screening. 

The age range for the home screening test is expanding — from April 1, it will be offered to 70-year-olds. The test takes just five minutes in the privacy of the person’s own home to help safeguard their health. 

We also know that bowel cancer is affecting more and more young people, and we need to stay vigilant for symptoms and raise awareness of the warning signs.

It might sound strange that I call myself lucky, but I have been very fortunate to have received world-class treatment in Cork as well as so much kindness and goodwill.

Spot the symptoms 

• Changes in bowel habits — diarrhoea, runny bowel movements, constipation, needing to poo more or less often than usual.
• Blood in your poo, which may look red or black.
• Abdominal issues — cramps, general abdominal pain, bloating that doesn’t go away.
• Weight loss when you’re not trying to lose weight.
• Tiredness and lack of energy when you’ve had enough rest.
• Any unusual change you know isn’t right for you.
• If you experience one or more of these symptoms, you should make an appointment to see your GP.

• For information on bowel cancer screening and using home test kits, click here.