A dad was diagnosed with a deadly disease after dismissing his rapid weight loss as working too hard and not eating properly.
Rob Gore, 40, was told he has cancer which is spreading through his body after he ignored the warning signs.
Along with the weight loss, Rob also experienced other symptoms, including passing blood, which eventually led to his wife Kirsty persuading him to visit his GP.
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The supply chain logistics manager from Warrington in the UK said: "By the time I received my diagnosis, I'd resigned myself to the fact it was something serious. I had bowel cancer, and it had spread, with nodules in my liver and lung."
After his diagnosis, Rob underwent six rounds of chemotherapy, followed by treatment to help stop the cancer from spreading further, as the Liverpool Echo reports.
He still visits the same team to collect cancer medication and to get regular scans and check-ups.
A year ago, a scan detected potentially cancerous growths called nodules in his lung, requiring a further six rounds of chemotherapy.
He later had a lung ablation at Royal Liverpool Hospital. The non-surgical procedure uses heat to kill cancer cells, which allowed doctors to treat a nodule they suspected was returning.
Three years on since his diagnosis in March 2019, Rob is back at work full-time, having recently visited London and Belfast with family to celebrate his 40th birthday.
He said: "My wife and the kids have been brilliant. I have two stepchildren and a daughter, and they've just climbed Moel Famau in North Wales to raise money for a charity that supports children whose family members have cancer. They were really keen to give something back, and I'm so proud of them.
"We're just making the most of everything we can – trying to get out there, do stuff and enjoy life. It's been really nice to be back in work as well, seeing people, because I'm not one for sitting around."
Rob shared his story for Bowel Cancer Awareness Month this April to encourage others not to ignore possible symptoms of cancer.
He said: "I always tell friends, family, anyone – if you have any signs at all, please go and see someone. It feels huge when something in your body isn't right, but there's no need to be scared. Getting diagnosed with cancer isn't all doom and gloom. There're treatment available, so it's always best to get symptoms checked out and either put your mind at rest or get the care you need."
He added: "The care I've had from the NHS has been great – I can't say enough about how amazing everyone has been. I see my nurse consultant, Jeanette, regularly. She's fantastic, and I have a lot of trust in the team. I'm just getting on with things and living my life."
Colotectal nurse consultant at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust Jeanette Ribton said: "Rob did the right thing by going to see his GP when he noticed blood and that he had lost weight without trying. People sometimes dismiss early signs of bowel cancer, either from embarrassment or thinking it's just a dodgy tummy.
"If you have persistent changes in bowel habit lasting three weeks or more, blood in your poo or abdominal pain or bloating when you eat, ask your GP for advice. It's also important to take part in bowel cancer screening if you're invited to do so."
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