16 April 2023 , 20:46
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A mum was given a shock colon cancer diagnosis after putting her symptoms doing to her age.
Sally Newton is now encouraging others to get checked out.
The 62-year-old sent off a bowel screening test she received in the post a month before being scheduled for a colonoscopy.
However, while visiting family on holiday she started feeling exhausted and out of breath.
Things deteriorated further and when she almost fainted she realised she needed to book in to see her GP once she returned home to Newtownards, Co Down, in Northern Ireland.
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Following blood tests, Sally was told she had a very low blood count and was "extremely" anaemic so was prescribed iron tablets.
She then went for her scheduled colonoscopy in Downe Hospital in Downpatrick.
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.
Sally found out she had cancer after returning from holiday (stock image) (Getty Images)This required being removed urgently.
Weeks later, she underwent surgery in Ulster Hospital to have the right side of her colon removed.
"I made sure to get plenty of rest and was advised to not lift anything for four to six weeks," Sally told BelfastLive.
"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.
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"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 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."
Around 80 per cent of people diagnosed with bowel cancer are aged over 60.
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.
For more information on bowel screening, visit the NHS website here.