Woman diagnosed with bowel cancer after thinking she just had IBS

A 'fit and healthy' woman has been diagnosed with bowel cancer in her thirties, after thinking her symptoms were just down to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Mum-of-two Nikita Williamson was struck with the news after finding out her bloating and bloody stools were not the result of piles or a chronic digestive condition.

Nikita underwent a surgery in October 2023 to remove a cancerous tumour, along with her cervix, ovaries, and uterus. The operation was a success, and Nikita is now in a stage known as 'No Evidence of Disease' (NED).

She claims to be in constant pain and is adjusting to life with a stoma after having one fitted. The 37-year-old confessed that she has been 'forever changed', reports the Express.

Speaking to NeedToKnow, Nikita, from Ipswich, said: "I'm still overcoming the hardest obstacle and that is learning who I am now. Accepting the new normal.

"I will never be the person I was before diagnosis. I often get called inspirational due to the way I have handled my diagnosis, but I wish people understood how much of a fraud this makes me feel.

"To me, being inspirational is doing something you don't have to do for no other reason than to give back and make the world a better place. I have got through tough treatments and surgeries, but that's only because I didn't have any choice. I will do anything to have more time with those I love."

In late 2022, Nikita began experiencing unusual bloating and noticed blood in her stool. At first, she thought it was just IBS and piles, so she changed her diet and tried over-the-counter treatments.

However, feeling unwell at Christmas, Nikita's partner Millie urged her to consult a doctor. A faecal immunochemical test (FIT) indicated abnormalities, leading to a colonoscopy.

Reflecting on the diagnosis, Nikita shared: "I was taken through to recovery, and a while later, the doctor and nurse returned. It was at this point the doctor told me, 'It's likely bowel cancer.'

"I will never forget how I felt when he said this. I felt completely numb but also relieved. Finally, I knew what was wrong, and I could deal with it."

Support from her partner Millie was unwavering, she says. "My partner was also in complete shock, but has been an incredible support from the moment I found out. I waited until I had my scans, and knew my staging and what treatments I would be having before I told my children."

Nikita has maintained transparency with her children throughout her journey: "I have been very honest with them every step of the way and they know they can ask me anything they want and I will always try my best to answer."

Although the mum's surgery in 2023 was successful, Nikita is still grappling with the mental and physical aftermath of her cancer and treatment. She said: "I live in pockets of time between appointments. I can relax and enjoy life, but I am changed forever.

"I not only have a stoma but I am also currently waiting for urodynamic testing as I have been unable to pass urine without catheterisation since the surgery. Prior to my diagnosis and treatments, I was an incredibly fit and healthy 36-year-old woman.

"While I am slowly building my fitness back up, I am in pain constantly. I continually struggle with fatigue and I rely heavily on various medications just to be able to get through the day."

Despite her ordeal, Nikita is looking ahead. She said: "I am going to continue enjoying as many precious moments with my wonderful family and friends as I can, while I can. You don't truly realise how loved and by whom you are loved until you go through something like this."

"Cancer has taught me to never take a single day for granted and to go for something if I want it because who knows what tomorrow holds."

What is bowel cancer and what are the symptoms?

Bowel cancer can develop in any part of the large bowel, such as the colon and rectum, which are essential components of the digestive system. The severity of bowel cancer varies depending on the size of the tumor, whether it has metastasized, and your overall health. In the UK, bowel cancer is among the most prevalent forms of cancer. Early detection through bowel cancer screening can lead to more effective treatment options.

According to the NHS, symptoms of bowel cancer may include:

• changes in your poo, such as having softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation that is not usual for you

• needing to poo more or less often than usual for you

• blood in your poo, which may look red or black

• bleeding from your bottom

• often feeling like you need to poo, even if you've just been to the toilet

• tummy pain

• a lump in your tummy

• bloating

• losing weight without trying

• feeling very tired for no reason

Bowel cancer can cause anaemia (when you have fewer red blood cells than usual), which can make you feel very tired, short of breath and have headaches.