Disease Can Hit Young
Illawarra Mercury
Tuesday August 24, 1999
Melissa was just 25 years old when she was diagnosed with bowel cancer.
Five years later, after an operation to remove a section of her bowel and six months of chemotherapy, the Warrawong mother of two is in remission but the memories of her near miss remain.
``I was experiencing bleeding from my bowel for about 18 months but my doctor told me that I was too young to have bowel cancer," she said.
``After the birth of my first child I was having bad cramps, a lot of bleeding and was going to the toilet about 20 times a day.
``I went to see a different doctor who sent me straight to a specialist who conducted a colonoscopy and found the tumour. I then underwent the operation."
Melissa is still in the dark as to why she developed bowel cancer.
``The doctors have no idea what caused it," she said.
``I was fit and had a fairly healthy diet so they think it may be genetic."
Melissa's doctors advised her to make some dietary changes to reduce her fat intake, increase fibre and eat organic produce as much as possible.
``It is sometimes difficult to stick to a strict diet but with the help of a naturopath I have been able to make changes and I haven't had any problems since the operation," she said.
She would advise young adults not to ignore any symptoms or bleeding that could be a sign of bowel cancer.
``Bowel cancer doesn't usually hit people until their late 30s or 40s, however my experience shows that it can develop in younger people," she said.
``I would urge anyone who has any unusual symptoms to see their doctor, and get a second opinion.
``Most of the time it will probably turn out to be nothing, but it is still worthwhile."
© 1999 Illawarra Mercury
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