Contents
It started with reflux. Doctors said it was stress. When Bradley developed severe abdominal pain, he heard it was appendicitis or irritable bowel syndrome. Bloody diarrhea was to be caused by hemorrhoids. Two years later, it turned out to be colon cancer, the worst stage. On February 19, 2021, Bradley Coombes died. He was only 23 years old. His mother pleads with doctors not to underestimate the possible symptoms of cancer just because the patient is young. We recall their history, as well as the symptoms that must not be ignored.
- Colorectal cancer is one of the three most common cancers. It takes years for many patients to develop without any characteristic symptoms
- 90 percent cases of bowel cancer are diagnosed after the age of 50, but young people are also diagnosed with the disease
- In the case of Bradley, gastrointestinal complaints were attributed, inter alia, to problems with the appendix or irritable bowel syndrome
- When finally colorectal cancer was diagnosed, the disease was at its most advanced stage, it metastasized
- The man died a year after the diagnosis, he was 23 years old
- Bradley’s mother urges doctors not to underestimate the possible symptoms of bowel cancer just because the person reporting to them is young
- More information can be found on the Onet homepage
Months of misdiagnosis
«I am a single mum and he was my only child. I feel like I’ve lost everything. Not only did I lose my son, but we lost our common future »- his mother Caroline said after the death of her Bradley. Bradley died of colon cancer when he was just 23 years old. – We were repeatedly told that it is very rare for someone so young to receive this diagnosis, says the woman, pointing out that doctors “don’t play with young people until it is too late”. – My son should still be here. Looking back, I wish I had intervened, she admits.
It all started in early 2018 when Bradley started complaining of acid reflux. The doctor then told him it “could be stress related” and prescribed antacids. Unfortunately, a few months later Bradley began to feel a sharp pain in the left side of his abdomen. He was told it was likely appendicitis or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but was not sent for testing. “The problem is that the symptoms of bowel cancer and IBS are similar, so it’s hard to tell the difference.” But I think the doctor’s job is to explore every possibility – emphasized the man’s mother.
Bradley was still tired, he had clearly lost weight – the reasons, however, were seen in his active lifestyle. His condition, however, continued to deteriorate. Colon bleeding started. Blood tests showed iron deficiency and anemia. Bradley has an appointment for a colonoscopy. “Not long after I drove him to the hospital, a nurse called me to come back immediately,” recalls Caroline. – The consultant confirmed that it is bowel cancer – he showed us pictures of the procedure. She also learned that the study was somewhat limited because Bradley’s intestine was blocked by a tumor.
It was colon cancer. “I was afraid of what would come”
Bradley was determined to fight cancer. “I’ll beat it,” he repeated. Bowel cancer was in its fourth and most advanced stage. To avoid the risk of a complete blockage of the intestine and perforation, doctors attempted to remove the tumor and put in a stoma. – Unfortunately, it turned out that the tumor cannot be removed because the cancer cells have metastasized to the peritoneum – says the man’s mother.
Bradley started chemotherapy. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of the oncologist, the tumor has not shrunken, and in January 2021, doctors delivered the devastating news that there were no other options, the woman says. Bradley was referred to pain management and palliative care. – I was afraid of what was to come and how I would handle it.
Bradley accepted his fate on February 19, the day he died. “14 hours before he died, he told me: I can’t do this anymore, Mom,” recalls Caroline. “My only consolation was that he didn’t suffer, he lived his life to the fullest and wasn’t alone when he died.
Now I put my energy into raising awareness about bowel cancer and the importance of research, no matter what your age. “If you feel something is wrong, push your doctor,” she advises. The woman also urges doctors not to ignore the possible symptoms of bowel cancer just because the person is young. Caroline believes her son could still be alive if they had done the examination sooner, before it was too late.
How do I know if my gut is developing cancer? Alarm symptoms
Colorectal cancer is one of the three most common cancers in the world. It takes years for many patients to develop without any characteristic symptoms. They can be confused with food poisoning or allergies or hemorrhoids.
One of the most important risk factors for colon cancer is age. It is estimated that 90 percent. cases are detected in people aged 50+. However, it must not be forgotten that this cancer also affects young people. Hence, it is so important not to overlook the signals that alert a possible tumor development. Their appearance is a sign that research should not be delayed.
In the early stages, colon cancer develops without symptoms. That is why regular preventive examinations are so important. One of them is the M2PK mail-order study – diagnostics of colorectal cancer, available on Medonet Market. It is recommended to do them once a year.
How do I know if I am developing cancer? Alarm symptoms (for onkTvoiLokony).
Blood in the stools.
Unintentional weight loss.
Anemia (anemia) with iron deficiency.
Increasing abdominal pain, often at night.
Screening is an extremely important role in cancer prevention. For colorectal cancer, these include a faecal occult blood test (every 12 months) and a colonoscopy (every 10 years from the age of 50).
We should also remember not to be afraid to seek a doctor’s help whenever something bothers us. Early, even such a serious disease as colorectal cancer has a good chance of recovery.