A woman from Co Down has opened up about her cancer story in a bid to encourage others to have their symptoms checked.
Sally Nelson got a shock colon cancer diagnosis in 2021 after putting her symptoms down to her age.
The 62-year-old received a bowel screen kit in the post and got a positive result after carrying out the health check and returning it.
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She was scheduled to have a colonoscopy procedure to investigate further but while visiting family on holiday, she started to have "a strong feeling of pure exhaustion" and had periods of getting out of breath.
Speaking to Belfast Live, the Newtownards woman said: "I had originally put my symptoms down to my age and just got on with things. However, it wasn’t until I nearly fainted from how tired I felt, I knew I needed to contact my GP as soon as I returned home. The doctor was very thorough and carried out blood tests.
"The tests showed that I had a very low blood count and was extremely anaemic, so I was prescribed iron tablets."
Sally went for her scheduled colonoscopy in the Downe Hospital in Downpatrick to further investigate the screening results.
During this procedure, she was then referred to have a colon CT scan in January 2022, which showed a tumour on the right hand side of her colon and needed to be removed urgently.
Weeks later, she underwent surgery in the Ulster Hospital to have the right side of her colon removed.
Sally explained: "I made sure to get plenty of rest and was advised to not lift anything for 4-6 weeks. It took me a few months before I started to feel a bit more normal again. The practice nurses were on hand if I needed any support and I could contact them if I felt I had any worries.
"I was required to have four sessions of chemotherapy and I knew I had to have these sessions to help me get better. At times I found this very challenging and it definitely had an impact on my physical and emotional health.
"After each session, I had to deal with this mentally because whenever I started to feel better, I had to then go for the next session of chemotherapy, but I just had to push myself through it. I had great support from my son and daughter-in-law who helped me during my treatment and recovery, which I am very grateful for."
Now that she has recovered fully, Sally has been able to enjoy her regular routine once again, and today she is urging anyone with a history of cancer in their family to be proactive and speak to their GP with any concerns.
She added: "Even to get some peace of mind. Be aware of what is normal for your body. If you are eligible for bowel screening and receive your kit, it will only take a few minutes to do and this could potentially save your life, screening is so important.
"I am looking forward to my future, my son and daughter-in-law are moving over from England, so it will be great to have them closer to me. I can’t wait to get back out in the garden and work in my allotment."
Bowel cancer is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed in Ireland. Around 2,600 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer in Ireland every year. Bowel cancer is the second most common of all cancers in men and the third most common of all cancers in women in Ireland.
Most people diagnosed with it are over the age of 60. If bowel cancer is found early, it's easier to treat and there's a better chance of recovery.
A family history or related bowel conditions are also a factor that will increase your risk along with consuming a high alcohol intake, smoking, being overweight and eating a diet high in red or processed meats and low in fibre.
Although bowel cancer symptoms are very common, the HSE advises people to talk to their GP if they persist for more than four weeks.
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