Karen Glover, Cheshire

I was diagnosed with stage 1 bowel cancer in April 2023, aged 58.

After turning 58 in February 2023 a screening test landed through the letter box. My husband had recently had his screening so I didn’t hesitate to do mine. I had no symptoms of the disease so never suspected anything.

A week later I received a letter to say that further investigation was needed. I called and made an appointment for a colonoscopy three weeks later. It was during the colonoscopy that the tumour was found and I was told that I had cancer.

It was all very surreal; I was sedated at the time and the team were in good humour making me feel relaxed. I just remember everyone going quiet and the mood changing in room. Biopsies were taken and after a lady from the bowel cancer screening team, who was present during the colonoscopy, sat with myself and my husband Martin to confirm the diagnosis and what the next steps would be.

They called me again the next day to ensure that I understood what was happening. That same week I was contacted to have scans and blood tests. The following week I met with my consultant and was scheduled for surgery a week later.

The surgeon removed all the tumour and took biopsies from my lymph nodes. Luckily it had not spread so there was no need for any further treatment.

Following the surgery, I was very nervous about going out and being away from the safety of the bathroom. I was apprehensive about my diet and I slowly began to introduce new foods. There were occasions, in the early days, when my bowels were unpredictable as they got used to working again, which was embarrassing at times and a few accidents did happen. I tended to surround myself with the people closest to me who would support me and understand if I need to cut short trips out and go home. I was also very tired and need to rest a lot.

Mentally, I felt confused; I didn’t know how I should feel, relief, guilt for putting my loved ones through the trauma, grateful, disbelief. I think because everything happened so fast, one day I had cancer, three weeks later it was gone.

I had amazing support from my Martin, family and close friends. They would keep me occupied with puzzles, crafts, chats and visits. Martin took on all of the household duties and was my very own nurse, making sure I took my pain relief on time had plenty to drink. Whilst to my two dogs stayed by my side with cuddles when I needed them.

I'm now coming up to my three year anniversary and have an amazing team of specialist nurses that I can call on at anytime if I have any concerns. I have regular blood tests, scans and a colonoscopy every two years. All being well I'll be discharged after five years of all clear tests.

I never really had an epiphany that people talk about and urge to live everyday to the full but I came to the realisation that I enjoy the simple things in life and take pleasure from sitting with a cup of tea watching the birds whilst having the dogs curled up next to me. Or watching the sunset on the beach and feeling the sun on my face, laughing at the silly things. We all react to major events in our lives differently and you need to find your own way, your own peace.

I decided to raise awareness and get back to full fitness by taking part in the Walkies Together campaign in September 2024 for Bowel Cancer UK with my dogs, Ned and Paddy. We managed 66 miles and raised £1,460 but more importantly kept the pushing the importance of screening and early detection.

My message to others would be to please take the screening test or if you have any symptoms speak to your GP. If I had ignored the test, my diagnosis would have been worse and maybe incurable. It is nothing to be embarrassed about; we all poo, no matter how rich or famous we are. I believe the screening test saved my life and could save yours.