Young Woman Diagnosed with Bowel Cancer at 24 Shares 3 Critical Warning Signs
A young woman has bravely shared her experience after being diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer at the age of 24, urging others not to overlook symptoms that could signal a serious health issue. Paige Seifert, from the United States, has been documenting her journey with colon cancer—often referred to as bowel cancer in the UK—on social media to encourage people to seek medical evaluation promptly.
You should never ignore changes in your body, even if they seem minor. While many symptoms, such as persistent pain or unusual fatigue, are often benign, they can sometimes indicate underlying severe conditions like cancer. Paige initially dismissed her symptoms, thinking they were insignificant, but she now highlights three key signs that prompted her to visit a doctor.
1. Fatigue
Fatigue is a common complaint that can stem from various causes, including lack of sleep, overexertion, or stress. However, it can also be a symptom of more serious issues such as vitamin deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, or cancer. Paige noted that her fatigue, combined with other symptoms, was a significant indicator. "I know this can be chalked up to a bunch of different things, whether it's work, lack of sleep, or exercise, but this, combined with all the rest, was a big indicator for me," she said.
2. Stomach Pain or Discomfort
Abdominal discomfort is often attributed to dietary choices or minor digestive issues. For Paige, however, sporadic stomach pain, nausea, and cramping played a crucial role in her diagnosis. She described it as feeling "something was off" even though it wasn't constant, emphasising that such discomfort should not be ignored.
3. Blood in Stool
Finding blood in your stool is one of the most alarming signs of bowel cancer, though it can also result from conditions like haemorrhoids or anal fissures. Paige admitted she and several doctors initially dismissed it as haemorrhoids. "Blood in your stool is a huge one and is obviously going to tip you off that something is wrong. But I know it can be written off as a bunch of other things," she explained. Persistent blood in stool for three weeks or more warrants a doctor's visit, according to NHS guidelines.
In a recent update, Paige shared hopeful news: regular check-ups show no colon cancer, though she monitors other health issues like a blood clot and ovarian node. "I'm feeling super hopeful, but there's always that part of you that's going to worry that something is amiss," she said.
What Are the Symptoms of Bowel Cancer?
Bowel cancer is among the most common cancers in the UK. Early detection through screening can improve treatment outcomes. Key symptoms include:
- Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhoea, constipation, or softer stools
- Needing to poo more or less frequently than usual
- Blood in stool, which may appear red or black
- Bleeding from the bottom
- Persistent feeling of needing to poo
- Tummy pain, bloating, or a lump in the abdomen
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue or shortness of breath due to anaemia
When to See a GP
Consult a GP if you experience any bowel cancer symptoms for three weeks or longer. The NHS advises calling 111 for an urgent appointment if you have black or dark red stool or bloody diarrhoea. For continuous bleeding or large amounts of blood, seek immediate help at A&E or call 999. More information is available on the NHS website.
