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Amy LewisBritish woman with bowel cancer
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
- The Young Woman Who Defied the Odds
- Dismissal and Delay
- A Shocking Diagnosis
- Diagnosis Challenges for Young People
- Recognizing Symptoms
- Treatment and Side Effects
- Surgery and Recovery
- Marriage and a New Chapter
- Ongoing Monitoring and Advocacy
The Young Woman Who Defied the Odds
Amy Lewis, a 32-year-old chartered accountant from West Yorkshire, England, is a survivor of colorectal cancer. For years, she suffered from diarrhea, constipation, and bloating, but doctors initially dismissed her concerns as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Dismissal and Delay
Despite her family history of colorectal cancer, Amy's doctor did not refer her for a colonoscopy until 2012, after she noticed blood in her stool. The colonoscopy revealed a stage 3 tumor.
A Shocking Diagnosis
Amy was in disbelief at the diagnosis. "I wasn't thinking I was going to die, but it was a deep, deep shock," she recalls. "I'd been feeling so ill for so long and just kept being told I was too young for it to be bowel cancer."
Diagnosis Challenges for Young People
Amy's experience highlights the challenges faced by young people in being diagnosed with bowel cancer. Despite it being more prevalent in older adults, approximately 6-7% of cases occur in individuals under 40.
Recognizing Symptoms
According to Professor Willie Hamilton of the University of Exeter, changes in bowel habits, such as loose stools and frequent bowel movements, can be signs of bowel cancer. Other symptoms to watch for include abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, and anemia.
Treatment and Side Effects
Amy underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy to shrink the tumor before surgery to remove it. However, she declined the option to preserve her eggs before treatment due to concerns about delays and potential damage to her fertility.
Surgery and Recovery
After surgery, Amy initially required a stoma bag to collect waste products. Nine months later, her bowel function gradually returned to normal.
Marriage and a New Chapter
In December 2013, Amy and her partner Chris got engaged in Central Park, New York City. "It was so emotional," says Amy. "We'd been through so much. It felt like there was finally some light."
Ongoing Monitoring and Advocacy
Amy now has six-monthly checkups. She is an advocate for raising awareness about bowel cancer in young people and encourages others to seek medical advice promptly if they experience concerning symptoms.
