28 March 2023 , 11:53
513
0
Adele Roberts has given a bowel cancer update as she reveals her early treatment saved her life.
The radio presenter is backing a campaign to raise awareness about the symptoms of the condition.
The 44-year-old was diagnosed with stage two bowel cancer in October 2021 before receiving the all clear from Doctors in June.
At first she said she was "embarrassed" to get in touch with the doctors to talk about the symptoms she was experiencing.
She said: "It took me a while to pluck up the courage to call my GP at first. My symptoms seemed like things I could explain away. I didn't want to be a burden to the NHS and I was embarrassed. I shouldn't have worried.
Warning as popular food and drink ‘increase risk of cancer death by up to 30%’
Adele was diagnosed in October 2021 (adeleroberts/Instagram)
Adele has since been given the all clear (adeleroberts/Instagram)"My GP took my concerns seriously, put me at ease and also offered me a home-testing kit. This meant I was able to do the test in the comfort of my own home.
"Soon after I was diagnosed with stage 2 bowel cancer, which was very nearly developing into stage 3. Getting the help I needed in time helped save my life."
Adele added: "If you're worried please speak to someone, early detection saves lives and it helped save mine."
Adele was diagnosed with stage 2 bowel cancer (adeleroberts/Instagram)
Adele has talked about her treatment (adeleroberts/Instagram)Bowel Cancer UK has found that 38% of people cannot name any symptoms of bowel cancer.
As part of the charity's new campaign for Bowel Cancer Awareness Month this April, they are trying to flag symptoms which include blood in your poo, change of bowel habits, pain or lump in your tummy, weight loss and fatigue.
59% of people also said that something would likely prevent them from contacting a doctor if they experienced a change in bowel habit, including difficulties getting an appointment, being too embarrassed or being too afraid that it could be something serious.
The radio presenter is backing a campaign to raise awareness (adeleroberts/Instagram)
Adele said at first she was embarrassed to get in touch with doctors (adeleroberts/Instagram)Genevieve Edwards, chief executive of Bowel Cancer UK, said: "It's concerning that people aren't aware of the symptoms of the UK's second biggest cancer killer.
"Someone dies from the disease every 30 minutes in the UK, which means that in the time it takes to watch an episode of your favourite soap, one family will lose a loved one to bowel cancer.
"But it doesn't have to be this way as it is treatable and curable, especially when diagnosed early. That's why this Bowel Cancer Awareness Month we're launching a new campaign to raise awareness of the five red flag symptoms of the disease and asking people to take our KnowTheHigh5 quiz."