A Co Down woman has shared her cancer story in the hope that it can encourage others to have their symptoms checked out.
Sally Nelson, from Newtownards, was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2021 after putting the symptoms she was experiencing down to her age.
One month before her shock diagnosis, the 62-year-old received a bowel screening kit in the post and without hesitation, carried out the simple health check and returned it.
Read more: NI woman opens up on symptoms which led to rare cancer diagnosis
After receiving a positive result from the screening, Sally was scheduled to have a colonoscopy procedure to investigate further. While she was visiting family on holiday she says she started to have "a strong feeling of pure exhaustion" and had periods of getting out of breath.
"I had originally put my symptoms down to my age and just got on with things," she said.
"However, it wasn’t until I nearly fainted from how tired I felt, I knew I needed to contact my GP as soon as I returned home. The doctor was very thorough and carried out blood tests.
"The tests showed that I had a very low blood count and was extremely anaemic, so I was prescribed iron tablets."
To further investigate the screening results, Sally went for her scheduled colonoscopy in the Downe Hospital in Downpatrick. During this procedure, she was then referred to have a colon CT scan in January 2022, which showed a tumour on the right hand side of her colon which required being removed urgently.
Weeks later, she underwent surgery in the Ulster Hospital to have the right side of her colon removed.
"I made sure to get plenty of rest and was advised to not lift anything for 4-6 weeks," Sally explained.
"It took me a few months before I started to feel a bit more normal again. The practice nurses were on hand if I needed any support and I could contact them if I felt I had any worries.
"I was required to have four sessions of chemotherapy and I knew I had to have these sessions to help me get better. At times I found this very challenging and it definitely had an impact on my physical and emotional health.
"After each session, I had to deal with this mentally because whenever I started to feel better, I had to then go for the next session of chemotherapy, but I just had to push myself through it. I had great support from my son and daughter-in-law who helped me during my treatment and recovery, which I am very grateful for."
Now that she has recovered fully, Sally has been able to enjoy her regular routine once again, and today she is urging anyone with a history of cancer in their family to be proactive and speak to their GP with any concerns.
She added: "Even to get some peace of mind. Be aware of what is normal for your body. If you are eligible for bowel screening and receive your kit, it will only take a few minutes to do and this could potentially save your life, screening is so important.
"I am looking forward to my future, my son and daughter-in-law are moving over from England, so it will be great to have them closer to me. I can’t wait to get back out in the garden and work in my allotment."
Around 80% of people diagnosed with bowel cancer are aged over 60. A family history or related bowel conditions are also a factor that will increase your risk along with consuming a high alcohol intake, smoking, being overweight and eating a diet high in red or processed meats and low in fibre.
The Northern Ireland Bowel Screening Programme offers screening every two years to all men and women aged 60-74. The aim of the screening programme is to detect bowel cancers at an early stage. People in this age group are automatically sent an invitation letter followed by a screening test kit. The test is completed in the privacy of the person’s home.
For further information on Bowel Screening, contact the Screening Helpline on (0800) 015 2514 or visit this page.
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