Kayleigh Bray, Cornwall

I was diagnosed with stage 2 bowel cancer in June 2024.

I had made several visits to my GP in the year leading up to my diagnosis as I had experienced sudden, noticeable and unexplained weight loss. The GP had run the regular panel of blood tests, but all had come back relatively unremarkable. Possibly erring on the side of anaemia, but with such hectic lifestyles, who isn’t borderline anaemia these days?

Despite the results being reassuring on paper, my weight loss was still an issue, at the worst I had dropped from a size 12/14 to a size 4/6, which for a physically strong, 5 foot 10 female was very concerning.

I had also begun to experience regular bleeding during bowel movements. Sometimes a relatively small amount of the loo roll, other times a lot more, including quite disturbing amounts in the toilet bowl as well. After being treated for piles initially the bleeding continued and I was referred for a colonoscopy to rule out any polyps. I was also asked to complete a QFIT test as a pre-requisite for the procedure.

One part of the appointment I remember so clearly was the GP saying something along the lines of “I am referring you on a two-week pathway which is usually reserved for potential cancer issues, but I just want you to be seen quickly as this has been rumbling on for so long. So don’t panic if you see the word cancer on the colonoscopy referral!” Slightly ironic, now.

I completed my QFIT and went for the colonoscopy, they ran into some unexpected issues during the procedure with an area they wanted to biopsy, but on the whole, I wasn’t very stressed at all. I was fully invested in the worst outcome potentially being polyps. The procedure was completed and I was told I would hear from my GP in due course.

Knowing how long the communication from GPs usually takes I was not expecting a call the following week from an unknown number. I had just got in the house and answered the phone, on hearing it was someone from my local hospital I assumed it was a survey on how the procedure had gone. I was then asked if I was in a position to speak openly and if there was someone nearby I would like to have on the call. Still thinking it was a survey I laughed and said “I’m sure I’ll manage!” 

Then the lady explained that my biopsy results had come back as cancerous and that I had a tumour. She then explained several more things to do with appointments that would be set up over the next few days, and she apologised for breaking the news over the phone, it’s a process they have adopted since COVID to reduce travel to the hospital. I remember that bit very clearly, because I then spoke for the first time, to reassure her it wasn’t her fault. I just about had the mental capacity at this point to ask if I could have a copy of everything in writing as I was completely overwhelmed and wouldn't remember any of what had been said.

My diagnosis was a complete shock. I was still very much in the headspace of the procedure being done to rule out polyps and that any mention of cancer was to speed the waiting times along.

I had a barrage of appointments all carried out within two to three weeks. MRI, CT and PET scans. I met with my colorectal cancer team and within weeks I was heading for surgery to remove the tumour. I was kept very well informed, even with the quick turnaround of appointments and my nurse team in particular were available at every stage. I've had another bigger surgery since the tumour removal, as well as regular small procedures.

Currently I’m in surveillance, with my previous check up being the most positive yet. I am in my first period of six months between checks and it's a huge relief to not feel like I'm tied to the hospital. 

Something I've found unexpectedly tricky with the longer time frame between procedures is increased anxiety. I'm struggling with finding a balance between what could be symptoms or could just be natural issues that arise. I'm seeking help from the local cancer care support unit at my hospital and through online support such as MacMillan and Bowel Cancer UK’s online resources.

My family and friends have been nothing but supportive, in all the ways that I have needed. From countless lifts to and from appointments, to late night drive-thru milkshakes, to learning the best brands of incontinence pants…troopers! 

I have possibly the most understanding and supportive employers and work colleagues in the world. Not only have they helped cover my absences, they've reached out to support in every conceivable way. Not many bosses would launch a fundraiser and run 62 miles in a month… but mine did! I know for a lot of people, employment can be a huge worry when they are diagnosed, and I'm forever thankful that I didn't have that concern on my plate. My bosses are proof that even small, independent businesses can afford to care for their employees. 

I'm a regular user of the Bowel Cancer UK website and resources, to begin with as educational tools for myself and then to help spread awareness. I often use the infographics alongside my social media posts as they breakdown some tricky concepts into very understandable messages. I also often signpost people to the website should they have questions or concerns I cannot help with. 

Another thing that Bowel Cancer UK offer that I found a comfort for others is the shop and fundraising opportunities. People are often very keen to try and help, and while there is not much physically that can be done, these are such a helpful place to signpost to.

I'd like younger people to know about the value of a QFIT test. My blood tests came back relatively normal and this seemed to be enough for GPs to determine there was nothing to investigate. However, my QFIT test result was 121 when the normal range is 0-9. I wasn't offered one of these, had I been things may have been very different, and I may have been spared some very dark moments, including being led to believe my weight loss was due to an eating disorder I didn't have.