Gerald Whiting, Bedfordshire

I was diagnosed with stage 2 bowel cancer in May 2022 at the age of 66.

I had been going to the doctor’s surgery because I was having problems with the amount of urine I was passing. It was at this appointment that I mentioned I had an occasional pain in my stomach.

The doctor examined me and decided to refer me to see a consultant. I had no blood in my stool but I had lost a lot of weight, which I put down to walking my new puppy. I had recently had a bowel screening test which came back clear, I then had an ‘at home’ FIT test before I saw the consultant and this was also clear. I went to see the consultant who then referred me for a scan to see what if anything might be happening. He reassured me that I didn't have cancer. When the results came back, I was referred for a colonoscopy where the cancer was found.

It was a shock being told I had cancer. I felt relieved because something had been found which explained the pain. It was difficult to ask questions as there were no answers until I had the operation and part of my bowel removed.

After the surgery I was told there was no spread of the cancer, and it had been caught very early. I didn’t need any further treatment.

I'm now on a 5-year surveillance plan with regular checks so I feel I’m being well looked after. I also had a genetic test which showed up that I have Lynch syndrome.

I would like to say that it’s a very difficult time but with positive support and getting as much info as you can, can make the troubling time easier to deal with. Never lose hope. Talk to those people who will listen. Don’t keep all that is happening bottled up inside.