Beth, 28, has kindly shared her journey with colorectal cancer – from early symptoms to ongoing treatment, and why raising awareness in young people matters so much.
Background
Beth is 28 years old and recently moved into a new home with her newlywed husband, her daughter, and his children. Before her diagnosis, she worked as a ballet teacher, teaching children aged 18 months to 7 years old. Dance and nurturing young children were a huge part of her life and identity.
Today, although she is no longer teaching in person, Beth continues to stay connected to the ballet world by working in social media and content creation for the company she once taught for.
Early Symptoms
For several years before her diagnosis aged just 26, Beth experienced symptoms that were repeatedly dismissed. These included:
- Blood in her stool
- Thin stools
- Changing bowel habits
- Pain in her rectum
Despite reporting these symptoms to her GP multiple times, she was told they were likely caused by haemorrhoids or IBS.
It was her friend Jade who ultimately encouraged her to book another appointment and push for an answer to her symptoms, a decision that changed everything.
The Referral and Colonoscopy
At this appointment, Beth was placed on the urgent two-week referral pathway for suspected colorectal cancer and scheduled for a colonoscopy.
During the procedure, her tumour was discovered almost immediately. It was located around 5cm into her rectum. Although she was lightly sedated, Beth recalls knowing straight away that something was wrong. Biopsies were taken, and afterwards she was taken into a private room where a nurse was waiting to explain the potential diagnosis.
The experience marked the beginning of a life-changing journey.
Diagnosis
Beth received her diagnosis around three weeks later, following lab tests on the tumour. She was driving to the supermarket when her surgeon called to tell her she had cancer.
She remembers feeling surprisingly calm at first. She believed treatment would be straightforward and that cancer would soon become something in her past. Instead, she is now living with cancer long-term.
Treatment and Complications
Beth has received all of her chemotherapy at Maidstone Hospital. Her surgeon is based at Pembury Hospital, where she later required emergency surgery after her chemotherapy caused her bowel to burst.
This led to the formation of a stoma to manage this condition.
She is currently on her third line of chemotherapy. After six cycles, the treatment appears to be working well, with some tumour shrinkage. The current plan is to continue this treatment for as long as it remains effective before moving on to other options if needed.
Family Support
Beth’s diagnosis had a profound impact on her family and friends, especially because she has a young daughter.
Her daughter was just two years old when Beth was diagnosed and now she is four. Cancer has become part of their everyday family life.
Her support network has been essential. Friends and family have helped mainly with childcare on days when Beth feels unwell, which she says is the most important support she receives. Ensuring her daughter’s life stays as normal and happy as possible remains her biggest priority.
Raising Awareness
Beth is now passionate about raising awareness of colorectal cancer in younger people and to not dismiss symptoms based on someone’s age.
She wants more people to recognise the symptoms and trust their instincts if something doesn’t feel right. Early detection can save lives and more young people are being diagnosed with b owel cancer every year.
Through sharing her story, Beth hopes to empower others to push for answers, advocate for their health, and break the stigma around discussing bowel symptoms.
“If my story encourages even one person to get checked sooner, it’s worth sharing it.”
