Carramar woman urges people to watch for bowel cancer warning signs

THERE was little indication Carramar mother Catherine Cash was unwell when she was diagnosed with bowel cancer last year.

The Joondalup Health Campus dietician received the startling news in June at age 41, “with virtually no symptoms at all”.

“I only noticed a change in bowel habits and I was tired a lot but put that down to being a mother of a four-year-old,” she said.

The disease claims the lives of more than 80 Australians a week.

Radiation treatment and surgery followed, as well as nearly 12 months of chemotherapy.

Thankfully, her most recent results cleared her of one of the most deadly cancers in Australia.

In light of this month’s national Bowel Cancer Awareness campaign, she is using her story to encourage people to look for warning signs they might otherwise ignore.

“It is vitally important that people are aware of the early warning signs of bowel cancer and to see their GP if they think something is not right,” she said.

“It’s a common misconception that bowel cancer is an older person disease, but my story shows that it can even affect younger people.”

Ms Cash is raising money for Bowel Cancer Australia and selling ribbons ahead of Red Apple Day on June 20.