Liz chats to comedian about her experience
A Rutherglen woman who had a 12 inch tumour cut out her bowel has appeared in a special film to highlight the importance of a screening test.
Elizabeth Harris, 64, was diagnosed in November 2014 and has since been successfully treated.
She appeared in the Reformer last month giving her backing to the Scottish Government’s Detect Cancer Early campaign.
Her latest role in the campaign saw her being surprised by comedian Fred MacAuley, who is an advocate of bowel screening.
He dropped by her home so she could speak about her experience.
The mother of three routinely returned her bowel screening test in October 2014 and was asked to re-take it - as the result wasn’t conclusive - but had no worries at that stage as she had no symptoms.
Following a colonoscopy and a CT scan, Elizabeth was told she had bowel cancer and went through surgery in January 2015 when the tumour was removed.
Liz tells the film: “I just thank God every day that I did my bowel screening test when I did.”
After a chat with Fred about her story, she adds: “I am just so grateful that I did my test when I did, when I should have done it, because I know we wouldn’t be sitting here.
A thrilled Liz said afterwards: “I’m happy to do anything to raise awareness of the bowel screening test as it saved my life.
“Opening my door to Fred MacAulay was a bit of a surprise, but we had a good laugh and it was nice to chat to him about how life has changed since my diagnosis.
“I’m a very positive person and although the last year or so hasn’t been the easiest, I’m just so glad it was found early and I can now look forward to spending time with my children and grandchildren.
“Bowel screening isn’t the most pleasant thing but it takes minutes and is done in the privacy of your own bathroom. I just hope my story helps encourage others to get their test done.”
Liz, who is a retired medical secretary, had previously described her diagnosis in the Reformer last month.
She said: “I took the test in October 2014 and they came back saying the results were abnormal.
“But I wasn’t worried at this stage. My partner had been called back twice before and it was nothing.
“I didn’t have any symptoms so I wasn’t concerned, even when I went for a colonoscopy. However, they sent me for a CT scan and within two days my doctor had asked me to come in.
“That’s when you know something is wrong.”
Fred added: “It was great meeting Liz and speaking to her about her experience.
“I do my test every two years and personally think the screening we’re offered in this country is a great thing. I’d encourage everyone who is invited to take the test.
For further information visit getcheckedearly. org or call the Scottish Bowel Screening Helpline on 0800 0121 833.