Bowel Cancer Survivor Urges People to Do the Test

James Omond knows the thought of bowel cancer screening might be scary and sound rather distasteful, but he thanks his eventual decision to have a colonoscopy for saving his life. He knows he waited too long even though he had bowel cancer symptoms, but he also knows and that the unattractive side to bowel cancer screening is nothing compared to the physical and emotional pain of finding bowel cancer too late.

After being diagnosed in 2016 with stage three bowel cancer, James, a 52-year-old lawyer, regretted not doing the at-home, free screening provided by the Government as a bowel cancer prevention, even though he had signs of bowel cancer. He also wishes he had followed his doctor’s advice and gone for a colonoscopy, even though he thought he was fine. James believes that if he had he done the simple home stool test, he could have avoided the chemotherapy, aggressive treatment, and the many major surgeries because his bowel cancer would have been detected sooner.

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James’ Bowel Cancer Symptoms

In the lead-up to his bowel cancer diagnosis, James noticed gradually worsening symptoms, and when he turned 50 he saw his General Practitioner. He had noticed some minor changes in his bowel movements but didn’t for one minute think it could be bowel cancer. He told his doctor about his bowel symptoms and his doctor recommended a colonoscopy, but James was in no hurry to have the test although his symptoms worsened. James says he didn’t feel a hundred per cent, but he attributed that to the Christmas season, working hard and a lot of stress.

Then in March 2016, James decided to bite the bullet and have the colonoscopy to rule out bowel cancer. By this time his bowel cancer had grown to stage three. He was horrified by the diagnosis and says on the Cancer Council Victoria website(1) the first thing he thought was, ‘I’ve got cancer and I’m going to die.’ One of the hardest parts of James situation was telling his 15 and 17-year-old daughters.

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James’ Treatment for Bowel Cancer

James bowel cancer had spread to his lymph nodes so he needed aggressive treatment which included a series of radiotherapy, two of chemotherapy, major surgery three times, and minor surgeries on many occasions. He faced many rough times during his bowel cancer treatments, spending 16 days instead of the normal five to 10 in hospital after picking up an infection. However, despite some ‘dark times’ in his bowel cancer fight, James was determined to stay positive. He kept up his workouts and exercise program right through his treatments because he couldn’t bear the thought of just sitting at home feeling sorry for himself.

James had a secondary cancer removed from his liver in April 2018, but still decided to ‘fake it’ ‘til he made it, and stayed positive. He was so determined to see the bright side that he eventually found himself in the habit of saying only positive things, and eventually it spread through his entire attitude. James had what he said was the ‘amazing’ support of his wife, throughout his bowel cancer treatment, and he also had a group of good, long-term friends who joined together as team support.

At Direct Endoscopy, we’re happy to see anyone with bowel problems at any time, and at short notice –

We can access the public hospital system and have admitting rights to major public hospitals

James’ Message is: Do the Bowel Screening Test

James wanted to tell his bowel cancer story because it’s a good example of the importance of bowel cancer prevention, and for people not to delay if they’re told by their doctor that they ought to have a colonoscopy. He also wanted to stress the importance of completing the bowel cancer screening stool test that is free and comes in the mail. Before he was diagnosed, James had no idea of the massive impact bowel cancer would have on the community, or that he was even at risk. He considered himself healthy; he exercised and had a good diet, so would never have thought he was the kind of person who would have it, even though he had signs of bowel cancer.

James wanted to stress how vital it is for people never to delay bowel cancer screening because the longer it’s put off, the more the cancer grows and spreads, which means people have to undergo more surgery and treatment to fight it. But if bowel cancer is diagnosed early, the chances of successful treatment are heightened and the need for aggressive chemotherapy and major surgery are lessened.

If you’re aged over 50 and your home stool test arrives in the mail, just do it, James says. Or, if you are like James, and have symptoms, talk to your doctor and act immediately. James says: ‘The test is free and sent to your home. You’d be stupid not to do it.’

Talk to your doctor if you have any of these possible signs of bowel cancer:

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Dr David Badov

Our expert gastroenterologists have performed over 500,000 endoscopic procedures in the last 20 years. Direct Endoscopy are the premier providers of colonoscopy, gastroscopy and capsule endoscopy services in Melbourne. We offer specialist consultations in all areas of digestive health, bowel cancer prevention, treatment for liver diseases, IBD and more. The doctors at Direct Endoscopy deliver the highest possible standard of gastroenterology and endoscopy.
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