Why Bowel Cancer Isn’t Just an Older Person’s Disease
by Dr Ravish Jootun, Gastroenterology
At just 34 years old, Katie never imagined she could have bowel cancer. She was a busy mum with two young children, no significant medical history, and no family history of cancer. When she noticed ongoing rectal bleeding, she did what most people would do - she went to her GP.
Because of her young age, the bleeding was initially thought to be caused by haemorrhoids. But when the symptoms didn’t improve, Katie was referred for further investigation. That decision changed her life.
Looking Beyond the Obvious
Katie was seen at Knox Private Hospital by colorectal surgeon Dr Ravish Jootun, who arranged an urgent colonoscopy to investigate the cause of her symptoms.
The results were unexpected - the bleeding was coming from a cancer in the sigmoid colon (part of the large bowel).
Further scans were performed to check whether the cancer had spread. Thankfully, both CT and PET scans showed no evidence of cancer elsewhere in her body.
Treatment and Recovery
Katie underwent robotic bowel surgery to remove the cancer, followed by a successful recovery. Based on her individual cancer features, she also received precautionary chemotherapy to reduce the risk of the cancer
returning.
Today, Katie’s story is one of early detection, effective treatment, and the importance of listening to your body.
She has since shared her experience publicly to help raise awareness that bowel cancer can - and does - affect younger people.
Why Katie’s Story Matters
Traditionally, bowel cancer has been associated with older adults. However, doctors are now seeing increasing rates of bowel cancer in
people under 50 - often without the usual risk factors.
Katie had:
- No previous health problems
- Symptoms that seemed “minor” at first
Her story highlights why persistent symptoms should never be ignored, regardless of age.
Please note:
While we make every effort to make sure the information contained in this blog and otherwise on this website is accurate and informative, it should not be used as a substitute for obtaining your own professional or medical advice.
Do not use the information in this blog:
- to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease;
- for therapeutic purposes; or
- as a substitute for the advice of a health professional.
Healthscope Ltd and its related entities do not provide any guarantees, and assume no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, currency or completeness of the information contained in this blog or on our website, or for any injury, loss or damage caused by its use