Jenny Duncan, 45, has bravely shared her story of living with bowel cancer and the regrets she carries for initially hiding her symptoms. In 2019, while on vacation in Lanzarote, she noticed blood on the toilet paper and experienced stomach aches but dismissed them as stress from starting a new job as a head teacher in the UK. Being fit and healthy, she couldn’t imagine something serious was wrong, and embarrassment prevented her from speaking openly with a doctor about her condition.

She kept track of the blood in her stool by taking photos, which eventually caught the attention of her husband. Concerned by what he saw, he urged Jenny to seek medical help immediately. Following his advice, she visited a doctor and was given a devastating diagnosis: stage 3 bowel cancer. Jenny recalled her surprise, saying she had always thought bowel cancer affected older men, not someone in her forties.

Jenny’s initial symptoms, including bloating, gas, and fatigue, were attributed to stress and her busy workload. She frequently came home late and immediately returned to work, further masking the severity of her condition. The embarrassment of discussing bowel issues with her doctor meant she delayed seeking treatment, a decision she now deeply regrets.

She began chemotherapy during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, which left her isolated during treatment and surgery. While the tumor initially disappeared, in 2022, she was informed that the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes, and this time it was deemed incurable. The news devastated her, leading to a period of withdrawal and emotional struggle as she processed the reality of stage four cancer.

Despite the challenges, Jenny returned to work and focused on enjoying time with her adult sons. She now undergoes regular scans every three to six months and will resume treatment if her condition worsens. She expresses gratitude for each day and emphasizes the importance of paying attention to one’s body and not letting embarrassment delay seeking medical advice.

Her story underscores the critical need for awareness about bowel cancer, which can affect people in their forties, and highlights the importance of early detection. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms may include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, and a persistent feeling of incomplete bowel movements, all of which should prompt timely medical consultation.