Yahoo News ‘Learning my tiredness was part of Stage 2 bowel cancer came as a huge shock’
An East Yorkshire man put his extreme tiredness down to being anaemic - but he eventually received a shocking diagnosis.
Having not suffered any other symptoms, Simon Maddocks, 73, of Lund, near Beverley, was shocked to discover he had bowel cancer, in March 2020, after receiving a diagnosis of severe anaemia the previous month. He said: “My tiredness levels were taking over my life and leaving me absolutely shattered.
“Even going up and down the stairs made me feel exhausted. Thinking I was anaemic was one thing, but learning my tiredness was a part of Stage 2 bowel cancer came as a huge shock.
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“Fortunately, the team at Castle Hill Hospital were marvellous. They worked very quickly, and by April I had undergone a blood transfusion, a colonoscopy, a CT scan and successful surgery, to remove the cancer from my body.
“The staff at Castle Hill were all kind, considerate, knowledgeable and professional. They were keen to answer all my questions and put me at ease throughout my treatment. Thanks to them, I’m now free of cancer.”
As part of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, which is marked each April, Simon has shared his story, explaining how, before his diagnosis, he had once ignored the home screening kit he had received in the post. A faecal immunochemical test (FIT) screening kit involves collecting a small sample of poo that is sent to a lab to be checked for tiny amounts of blood.
Simon said: “I made sure I did the one I received after being cleared of cancer. It was so easy to do, and took under ten minutes to complete.”
He said he understands why people might not want to complete a FIT. “I’m guilty of ignoring it in the past but, as a cancer survivor, trust me, it’s worth it. It only takes a few minutes of your time, and it’s free.
“You might not want to think about cancer. Nobody does. But if you are one of the unlucky ones, like me, wouldn’t you rather know sooner than later? The earlier you have bowel cancer detected, the greater the chance you can be treated successfully and continue to live your life.
“Just do it! There is no downside. You either get the all-clear, or you get the benefit of an early diagnosis, and prompt treatment, that increases the likelihood of a good outcome.”
Simon was joined by Andy Thompson, 68, of Anlaby, in encouraging people to use a FIT kit. Andy’s use of a kit revealed he had polyps, which were later removed before they could become cancerous.
Andy said: “I know some people don’t like the idea of handling their poo, but I used to have dogs, and always picked up after them! The test isn’t as gruesome as some might think.”
The results of Andy’s first FIT were fine, but two years later he did another test and within a fortnight he had a letter that said his result was “abnormal”. This did not mean he necessarily had cancer - and he knew he had haemorrhoids - but he was concerned, as he had had a lot of health issues.
Andy was given an appointment for a colonoscopy at Hull Royal Infirmary, where they found polyps. “I knew it was best to have the polyps removed, as they can become cancer in time,” he said.
“Had I not done the FIT, I’d have never known I even had them, so they could have become cancer before I’d have found out. With my underlying health issues, it could have been catastrophic.”
Andy, who was looked after at both Hull Royal and Castle Hill, further underlined the importance of doing the FIT test after the experience of a relative. He said: “About five years ago he received one in the post and left it in a drawer.
“A few months later, he was in a lot of pain, and showing symptoms of bowel cancer. Six to eight months after not doing the FIT, he was diagnosed with Stage 3 bowel cancer.
“Thankfully, he has survived, but he had to have his bowel and bladder removed. His health has been impacted – he gets a lot of chest infections and has a poor immune system. I have wondered what stage the cancer would have been caught at if he’d done the test, because at Stage 2, bowel cancer is more treatable.
“We’re really lucky to get the FIT screening kit for free in the post. For a few minutes of unpleasantness, it can help you be treated for bowel cancer, or, in my case, help stop you getting it in the first place. Don’t flush away that chance, flush away bowel cancer instead.”
For more information on the Cancer Alliance’s activities during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, and to learn more about bowel cancer, visit the website.
