Life-Saving Discovery
A 71-year-old man, Steven Wise, found his life saved by an acid reflux tablet after battling painful symptoms for a year. Prescribed lansoprazole, a powerful heartburn medication, Steven's body had a severe allergic reaction leading to a hospital visit that uncovered a hidden danger.
Diagnosis and Treatment
During his hospital visit, doctors discovered a 7cm mass in Steven's bowel through a CT scan, diagnosed as stage 3 cancer. Following surgery to remove the tumor, his prognosis was a success, highlighting the importance of early detection in battling the disease.
Importance of Early Diagnosis
Bowel cancer, the fourth most common cancer in the UK, affects a significant number of individuals yearly. While most cases are diagnosed in individuals over 55, the disease can strike at any age, making regular screenings and early detection crucial for survival.
Screening and Awareness
Bowel cancer screening is a vital tool in catching the disease early. With the availability of the faecal immunochemical test (FIT), individuals aged 50 to 74 will soon have access to screenings, thanks to campaigns like Trending In The News's No Time 2 Lose. Those over 75 can request a screening kit every two years by contacting the free bowel cancer screening helpline.
