I don't want to frighten anyone but this was a big wake-up this week.
Got a call from mum a week ago saying her DP was in hospital with bowel cancer.
He had major surgery that night, with an ileostomy bag fitted and many feet of insides removed.
We later heard his chances had only been 50/50.
He's doing remarkably well, considering.
Thing is - he'd had an all clear from a recent poo stick test. But he'd been constipated for a fortnight until, on a telephone doctor's advice unseen, he took laxatives. Worst thing he could have done, according to surgeon. When he was finally admitted in agony the A&E & surgeon started the process immediately.
The tumour was on the OUTSIDE of his intestine, gradually growing over a long time but showing no sign because it was not inside. It finally grew big enough to cause enough pressure to close & stop his intestine working.
So.
Pay attention to constipation and any other change in bowel habit (you know you).
Never accept a phone consultation. They need to see, hear, touch, even smell you.
Go to all the free health tests you're offered - but keep alert, even if you have a clear result.