Sarah McCollum, Surrey

Sarah was diagnosed with stage 2 bowel cancer in February 2023. This is her story.

I grew up in Northern Ireland and joined the army when I was 19 as an administrator, and was deployed to many places including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Bosnia. I’ve always thought of myself as fit and healthy, so it was a shock when I was recently diagnosed with bowel cancer.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), but about a year ago I noticed that my symptoms had become more severe. I experienced constant urgency to use the toilet and began to notice quite a lot of blood in my poo. I was instantly concerned that this could be cancer as my father died of prostate cancer aged 65.

I went to A&E several times with my symptoms, but was dismissed for being too young to have cancer and was told that it’s an older person’s disease. I was referred to a gynaecologist for further investigation. A number of tests drew a blank, but I was diagnosed with piles and ovary issues and was given liquid morphine to help with the pain.

My symptoms worsened over a period of three months and started to severely affect my life and my ability to do my job. After I was unable to make it to the toilet in time, my doctor gave me a bowel cancer screening test which was really easy to do and only took me a few minutes. Two weeks later I was told it was positive.

I was sent for a colonoscopy which I found very painful. I later discovered this was because my tumour was very low down in my rectum. In February 2023, I received a stage 2 bowel cancer diagnosis.

I felt a mixture of emotions; relief, that I finally knew what was behind my issues and fear, because I remembered what my family had went through when my dad was diagnosed. Thankfully, I had my partner Simon to support me, and he’s been a rock throughout.

It was a short amount of time between my diagnosis and my operation in March 2023, although at the time it felt like every minute of the day lasted for hours. I had keyhole surgery to remove the 4cm tumour from my rectum and was given a temporary stoma. After the surgery they tested the lymph nodes, and I was told that I was actually at the start of stage 3 bowel cancer.

I also had chemotherapy and suffered from pins and needles in my hands, feet, and mouth. It’s a lot to comprehend, having a stoma and chemotherapy at my age, but I can honestly say having a positive attitude makes the world of difference. In my first chemo session, it really hit home how lucky I was to be alive. There were some lovely people who I spoke to during treatment who are unfortunately terminal. 

Throughout my treatment, I received lots of support from family and friends. The Army was brilliant and gave me all the time I needed to fully recover. I’ve had amazing support from my chain of command, regular visits from the padre and plenty of messages wishing me well.

I did struggle with my mum being in Northern Ireland whilst I’m in England. As I was soon to have surgery, I couldn’t fly over so had to tell her about my diagnosis over the phone, which was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.

I finished my treatment three weeks ago. I had an MRI and am now awaiting the results to see if there are any more cancer cells. I’m anxious as anyone would be, but I’m excited to continue my recovery and start planning future holidays with Simon.

Unfortunately, my mum was recently diagnosed with bowel cancer too and is about to start chemo. I feel like we’ve been on this journey together and I’m able to support her with all I’ve learned. I turn 40 in January and I’m hoping to have a family get together if we’re both fit for it.

To anyone who may be in the position I once was, please listen to your gut. I knew something wasn’t right but was told I had piles and that I was too young for cancer. You’re never too young for this disease, so please go to your doctor if you feel something isn’t right.