Cumbernauld man given devastating diagnosis after throwing out bowel screening kit
A Cumbernauld man was given a devastating cancer diagnosis two years after throwing away his bowel screening kit.
Craig Allen binned the first kit he received after turning 50, believing that he didn't need to worry about bowel cancer as he was fit and didn't have any symptoms. However, two years later, he completed the screening kit after being encouraged by his family.
Following the test, he was referred for a colonoscopy as the screening test had identified blood in his faeces. Craig was left feeling 'numb' after doctors informed him that the colonoscopy had confirmed he had stage 3 bowel cancer, he said: "It left me numb, but luckily I had family with me.
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"Indeed, the support of family and close friends throughout the process was exceptional and I’m extremely grateful for that. I’m ashamed to say that I binned it.
"I didn’t have any symptoms of bowel cancer and I thought that because I was quite fit, I didn’t have to worry about cancer.”
The 63-year-old was temporarily fitted with a stoma bag as he underwent radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery to remove a section of his bowel. He said he found the experience “tough” and said that “for the most part, my confidence was shattered”.
Craig, now cancer-free, has teamed up with Bowel Cancer UK to raise awareness of the importance of screening.
He added: "I wondered what I could do to help myself So, I decided to sign up to volunteer for Bowel Cancer UK. I felt, due to my own good fortune, I’d like to give something back.”
“I tell people that if you’ve been sent a bowel screening test in the post, don’t delay completing it. I’m a classic example of the benefits as I didn’t have any symptoms, so doing that second screening test may have saved my life."
“This can happen to anyone, so my advice is: don’t bury your head in the sand. The sooner you’re diagnosed, the quicker treatment can start.”
Craig will volunteer at the roadshow in Glasgow from November 19-21, sharing his personal experience of the disease with visitors.
Genevieve Edwards, Chief Executive at Bowel Cancer UK, said: “We’re really looking forward to talking to lots of people in Glasgow about the disease, the importance of knowing its symptoms, and why you should contact your GP as soon as you spot any signs. We'll be encouraging everyone who is eligible to take part in bowel cancer screening, and talking about how people can reduce their risk of developing bowel cancer.
“We’re so grateful to Craig for teaming up with us to help raise awareness of bowel cancer and just how important it is to take part in screening. We’re here to answer any questions you have about your bowel health and signpost you to further support. No appointment necessary. See you there!”
Road show locations:
Tuesday 19 November from 10am – 4pm at The Forge Shopping Centre (1221 Gallowgate, Glasgow, G31 4EB)
Wednesday 20 November from 10am – 4pm at Glasgow Central Train Station (79 Gordon Street, Glasgow, G1 3SL)
Thursday 21 November from 10am – 4pm at St Enoch Shopping Centre (55 St. Enoch Square, Glasgow, G1 4BW)
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