- A woman who was diagnosed with aggressive Stage 3B bowel cancer at the age of 26 in 2020, after experiencing severe symptoms for 18 months while living in Australia, has shared a warning to others.
- Charlotte Rutherford’s initial diagnosis involved an obstructed colon and spread to lymph nodes, requiring urgent surgery and 12 weeks of preventative chemotherapy, leading to remission in April 2021.
- Despite feeling fit and healthy, the cancer recurred in February 2023, metastasising to her lung and resulting in a Stage 4 diagnosis.
- She underwent keyhole surgery in April 2023 and achieved remission again by August 2023, having made a difficult decision regarding treatment and fertility.
- Now 32, Charlotte is a vocal advocate for Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, urging young people and medical professionals to recognise symptoms and understand that the disease can affect younger individuals.
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