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Jan's story | Tom's story | Gordon's story | Le-Ann's story
Photo: Jan Hogan
"I'm very happy to know that everything was fine." - Jan Hogan
When Brisbane resident, Jan Hogan received a bowel cancer screening invitation kit in the mail shortly after her 55th birthday she was quite eager to see what it was all about.
The recently retired grandmother of three was aware of the bowel cancer screening program prior to receiving an invitation and was keen to participate once it arrived.
"Cancer has affected a number of people in my family so I really feel it is important to be vigilant and to take advantage of any test that can reassure you or warn you about aspects of your health."
Jan found completing the bowel cancer screening test very easy. "It was simple to use. It was neatly packaged with everything labelled clearly and instructions that were very precise and easy to follow. Doing the test was not at all inconvenient."
About a week after posting off the completed test to laboratory in Melbourne, Jan received a letter notifying her that the test was negative for blood. "I was very happy to know that everything was fine. I'm very keen to continue screening for bowel cancer in the future so I can be reassured that my bowel health is being monitored."
Photo: Tom Roberts
"Don't discard it, make use of this kit. It is there to help you and it could save your life." - Tom Roberts
While apprehensive at first, Cairns' resident Tom Roberts now considers himself a prime example of why bowel cancer screening is so important.
"I heard about the Program in the media and then not long after got a kit sent to me around my 55th birthday. When I first received a kit, I was a little hesitant and thought it would be a bit messy! It turned out it wasn't such a drama at all, it was easy!"
After sending off this test which involved collecting two small faecal samples, Tom received a letter back two weeks later saying that the test was positive, and that small amounts of blood had been found in the sample. He was surprised at the result because he did not have any signs or symptoms, as is often case.
After receiving the positive result, Tom went to the Cairns Base Hospital for a free colonoscopy. The colonoscopy detected cancer contained in a polyp. This was removed during the colonoscopy.
"Hospitals can be daunting places however everyone was really professional, things were explained to me clearly and this made the whole episode so much easier. I felt as comfortable as I possibly could. A lot of people may perceive a colonoscopy to be an embarrassing procedure but you aren't even awake to experience any embarrassment, you get over this very quickly and realise these people are here to help you."
Tom's recommendation for others who receive the test is to "take the opportunity to look after your future. Don't discard it, make use of this kit. It is there to help you and it could save your life."
Photo: Gordon Ison
"It's better to catch these things early. I'm so happy that everything has gone so well." - Gordon Ison
Retired carpenter, Gordon Ison, had already experienced loss as a result of bowel cancer when he lost his wife to bowel cancer twelve years ago. Never did he think that he would also have to face this challenge himself.
"After getting a kit in the mail, I decided to go ahead and do the kit. I thought, "Why not, this looks like a piece of cake!"
After sending off the kit, Gordon received a letter back two weeks later saying that the test had been positive for blood.
Gordon said that he had noticed a little bit of bleeding in the toilet before the test but had put that down to a recent fall. Otherwise he had had no major symptoms.
"After receiving a positive test, I went off to the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane for a free colonoscopy. The colonoscopy detected a malignant tumour growing in my bowel . I went on to have that part of the bowel removed and current scans show that I am in the clear of any secondary cancers, which is an enormous relief," Gordon said.
Gordon agrees that early detection is vital and feels passionately about other people doing the test for bowel cancer.
"I lost my wife to bowel cancer twelve years ago. I saw what my wife had to go through because the cancer wasn't detected until it was too late. I was fortunate to have caught mine early. My friends at the bowls club couldn't believe how quickly I was back on my feet after the surgery. I'm looking forward to getting out there again and getting back into things. I would encourage people if they get the test to definitely do it."
"It's better to catch these things early. I'm so happy that everything has gone so well," he said.
Photo: Le-Ann Morrison (middle) with Mackay Hospital staff
"It was free and it ended up saving my life." - Le-Ann Morrison
Le-Ann Morrison is living proof that when it comes to bowel cancer, early detection provides the best chance of surviving the disease.
"I received a kit in the mail as part of the Program just after my 50th birthday but I didn't do anything about it straight away," Le-Ann said. "It was after I received another letter to say that I would miss the opportunity to participate unless I took the test that I thought, well, I'd best do it. The test was easy to do in the privacy of my own home, it was free and it ended up saving my life."
Le-Ann was initially shocked when she received a letter back to say the test was positive for blood. "I was in normal health. I didn't feel unwell, and I didn't have symptoms. You should definitely do the test even if you feel well. My experience has encouraged a lot of friends and acquaintances to get checked out."
Le-Ann went on to have a colonoscopy at Mackay Base Hospital to find out the cause of the bleeding and it confirmed she had cancer. From then on her treatment moved quickly and she had surgery to remove part of her bowel.
"I was admitted to hospital for surgery on the day of my 51st birthday. I felt like a VIP. I was dealt with so well and was seen so quickly. I couldn't have had better treatment."
"I am so relieved that I did end up deciding to do the test and didn't just ignore it. I've been given the all clear so am able to get back to my consultancy business, as well as enjoying my grandkids grow up."
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