Profile: Shane's bowel cancer story

When aged 40, I started to experience constipation and cramping for three or four days. I decided to go to my GP straight away. My GP did a physical exam and referred me for a colonoscopy, a simple procedure which examines the inside of the bowel.

The colonoscopy showed I had very early stage bowel cancer. I was referred for surgery and had my bowel re-sectioned. I didn’t require any further treatment as I was diagnosed at stage one of bowel cancer. The day I got out of hospital, my beautiful daughter Heidi was born. She is aged five years now and I am glad that I took action early so that I can see her grow up.

My advice to anyone experiencing any symptoms which are unusual for them is to take action early and visit your GP without delay. I was pro-active about my health and as a result, I was diagnosed at an early stage of bowel cancer with several treatment options available to me.

Concerned about bowel cancer?

Read more about the signs and symptoms and how to reduce your risk. If you have any questions you can contact our Cancer Nurseline on Freephone 1800 200 700 or by email cancernurseline@irishcancer.ie.