Cathy helps send cancer message
A Clackmannanshire woman diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2015 is using her experience to highlight the importance of screening tests.
Cathy Gladwin is part of a network of Bowel Cancer UK volunteers across Scotland.
Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in Scotland and the early signs are often hidden.
The screening test is offered to everyone in Scotland aged 50 to 74 every two years.
Cathy (61) credits the test with being a lifesaver. She was diagnosed in April 2015 after routinely returning her test the month before.
As someone who had no symptoms she thought nothing of it until she received a letter saying further investigation was needed.
A week later she was at Forth Valley Royal Hospital for a colonoscopy and advised that biopsies were required. She underwent surgery to remove the tumour at the beginning of June.
She said:“When I received the letter my initial thought was it may or may not be cancer but I was determined not to panic until I knew more.
“After making the appointment for my colonoscopy things moved very quickly.
“When my bowel cancer was confirmed I was quite pragmatic. I remember thinking ‘thank goodness they’ve found it, now let’s get on with getting rid of it’.”
Although surgery went well, tests then showed the cancer was in her lymph nodes, resulting in over five months of chemotherapy.
She said:“I’m lucky enough to be cancer-free at the moment and get checked every six months. Although there are times I still feel I have to watch what I’m doing as I tire, I feel fine. I’m getting on with life.
“A lot of people still don’t understand how important the test is. Bowel cancer is treatable, especially if it’s found early enough.”
For more information visit get checkedearly.org.