Julie Bathie, Barnsley

I'm a retired neonatal nurse, having retired in 2022. I loved my job; however, due to the high levels of stress, I made the decision to retire and focus on enjoying life with my wonderful husband, Steve. We've been together for 28 years. I'm a mother of four children and in October 2024 I became a nana — a milestone I was determined to reach during my treatment.

Throughout 2023, I attended my GP practice over a period of approximately nine months due to ongoing rectal bleeding. Following an examination, I was diagnosed with haemorrhoids and prescribed topical cream and steroid suppositories. Despite this treatment, the bleeding continued, and my GP maintained that the cause was haemorrhoids.

During this time, I was also investigated for colitis, with normal results. I completed two FIT tests, both of which were reported as normal; however, on both occasions I wasn't actively bleeding at the time of sampling. Despite this, significant emphasis was placed on these negative results.

I was advised that there would be a long wait for a colonoscopy, at which point I stated that I would consider pursuing this privately rather than waiting. Subsequently, I received another FIT test through the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme. This test was completed while I was actively bleeding and returned a positive result, which then triggered referral onto the urgent cancer pathway.

I received a letter inviting me to a telephone consultation with a nurse, following which a colonoscopy was arranged. This procedure took place on 31 May 2024.

I was diagnosed that same day while undergoing the colonoscopy under the bowel team. I chose to have the procedure with gas and air only, as I wanted to remain awake and aware of what was happening. This was my first colonoscopy and, while uncomfortable — with the bowel preparation being the worst part — the consultant was able to complete the full examination. At one point, he commented that he was disappointed he hadn't been able to use his new technology; however, I realised he hadn't yet reached the area where the lump was located, previously thought to be a haemorrhoid.

When he reached this area, I could see a large, white, irregular mass and immediately knew it was cancer. The consultant said, “Julie, I’m not going to sugar-coat this — I am 99.9% sure this is cancer.”

I was in utter shock and could not stop crying. The weeks spent waiting for biopsy results and staging felt endless. All I wanted was a clear plan, believing surgery would be the next step. Throughout this time, the bowel team were outstanding — they rang me regularly, listened to my concerns, and offered reassurance, particularly as I felt deeply upset about the missed opportunities for earlier diagnosis by my GP.

On 19 June 2024, I attended an appointment with a surgeon at my local hospital. He explained that the diagnosis was anal cancer and that surgery would not be required. Initially, I felt devastated and assumed there was nothing that could be done. However, he reassured me that I would be referred to the specialist cancer hospital for combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which has very good outcomes and high success rates.

Following an MRI, CT scan, and PET scan, the histology confirmed anal squamous cell carcinoma, stage T2 N1a, with involvement of one local lymph node.

I then faced what felt like the longest wait of all — for my case to be discussed at the multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting to determine the treatment plan. Once this had taken place, I met with the consultant and was given a large amount of information. This was followed by blood tests, a planning scan and confirmation of my treatment start date.

Treatment began with an intravenous dose of chemotherapy, followed by radiotherapy, with further chemotherapy taken in tablet form thereafter. The first week was extremely difficult; I experienced constant vomiting and struggled with the requirement to drink 500 ml of water prior to each radiotherapy session. During that first week, I had moments where I truly felt I couldn't continue. However, I dug deep, found a positive mindset and carried on.

The treatment team were incredible — supportive, kind and compassionate throughout. Halfway through my treatment, I attended my son’s wedding. I had radiotherapy that morning and then went straight to the venue. I was determined to enjoy the day and dance the night away.

I started treatment on 22 July and completed it towards the end of August. Mentally, I remained positive and focused on staying strong. I wore a different dress for treatment every day and made sure to do my hair and make-up, even on days when I felt awful. Making the effort helped me feel better, even if only outwardly.

The treatment itself made me very anxious, particularly the difficulty of drinking the required water beforehand — something I never imagined would become such a challenge. I also learned coping strategies I never thought I would, including how to manage when I could barely tolerate it.

I continue to live with long-term side effects from the treatment, which I'm learning to manage day by day.

I attended a follow-up appointment on 6 December 2024, where I heard the words, I'd been hoping for: “We are pleased to say there is no evidence of cancer.” It was the best Christmas present I could've wished for.

I'm now 18 months cancer-free and I'm on a five-year follow-up plan. I have a low threshold for any new symptoms, so when I recently noticed an issue, I went straight to my GP. He referred me back onto the cancer pathway immediately and I was seen within four days — thankfully, everything was fine.

I've just had a follow-up appointment and everything remains okay. I'm now waiting for my surveillance MRI and CT scans. I have to admit that I feel anxious leading up to the appointments and scans and I often find myself overthinking and imagining the worst — but I'm coping and managing it as best I can.

If you receive a FIT test in the post, please do complete it. There is nothing to be embarrassed about and it could quite literally save your life.

If you notice blood on the toilet paper, check your stool — and if you see blood, make an appointment to see your GP. Please don’t feel embarrassed. If you're told that nothing is wrong, but your symptoms persist, push for further review. Book another appointment or ask to see a different doctor if needed. Know what is normal for your body and advocate for yourself.

In the UK, around 1,600 people are diagnosed with anal cancer each year. Although it's considered rare, I personally know two other people who were diagnosed at a similar time to me — both nurses, like me. One provided me with incredible support and I was able to support the other in return.