Bowel cancer patient stories

Amanda from Essex was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2012. “I felt like I’d been hit with a sledgehammer and my instant response was ‘How do I tell my children?’ Three years on, there’s no sign of cancer. I live for the moment and have done so much. Without research, I wouldn’t be here – it saves lives.”

Carol from Lancashire, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in January 2013 after completing a routine bowel screening kit she received in the post. “Thankfully I only needed surgery. Some people don’t like the idea of doing the tests, but I thought it was important. Because my cancer was diagnosed early, the treatment was straightforward. I was only in hospital for six days and made a good recovery.”

Alan from Kidderminster was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2008. He took part in the Cancer Research UK-funded FOXTROT clinical trial. “I think the trial definitely helped me. Having chemotherapy before my operation helped shrink my tumour which made it easier for the surgeon to remove.”