THANK you for your editorial regarding bowel cancer screening.
I am a rectal cancer survivor, and I get poo on my hand every day.
So, doing the screening test is nothing.
I very nearly ignored my need for testing, and even ignored a once positive result.
I guess I feared a colonoscopy!
Stupid of me, I know.
However, I quickly changed my mind, and sought medical help.
I was diagnosed with Stage 2 cancer, 10cm in from my anus.
Because I had acted early, I avoided chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and had the surgery to remove the cancer, along with 20cm of rectum and bowel.
I had an ileostomy bag for a while, but that has gone now.
Life is good, very good, and I am ever so grateful to the screening test, and to my surgeon.
I am currently looking forward to the arrival our first grandchild, which I might have missed.
My message is: do the test, it’s easy.
Andy Newman,
Gawler East
