Salv Scarna, London

I was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer in Oct 2020, at the age of 40.

My initial symptoms were blood in my stools and a bloated stomach. They both started in April 2020. I managed to get an appointment with my GP, but it was over the telephone due to pandemic restrictions. I did wonder at this point if it could be cancer. I explained my thoughts to my GP who was very empathetic and explained it could be possible but that it could also be something else.

I was referred for a colonoscopy and that was when I was diagnosed. They told me it was stage 3 bowel cancer.

Since then, I have had radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and a stoma bag. The stoma has now been reversed. I’ve definitely experienced side effects from my treatments, these have included tiredness, a loss of appetite and dry skin. Thankfully the cancer didn’t spread. I was also tested for Lynch syndrome, and the results were negative.

Since my diagnosis, my life has majorly changed. I work as a police sergeant and I have gone from a very hands-on, fast-paced life to a very slow, working from home role. I constantly feel tired and feel like I have aged a lot. I feel as if someone has hit the brakes hard in my life. My mental health has suffered too, I struggle to sleep and feel weak. Luckily, I beat cancer however I feel like cancer has taken my soul.

The coronavirus pandemic has also had a huge impact on me during all this – I think it made me feel even more alone and each day was a struggle. I’m so grateful for the support from my work. They have been PHENOMENAL, very helpful and understanding throughout everything. I’ve been using the Nightingale Cancer Support Centre which has been great. I’m now looking to work with Bowel Cancer UK and organise charity events within my organisation to help raise awareness and money for charity.