#auguts hard to talk about
Victoria and Lynn are both survivors of stage 3 bowel cancer, and live with long-term effects of their treatment. As CEO of Bowel Research UK, Lynn has a unique insight into bowel disease research and shares her hopes for the future.
On the importance or research, Victoria says: “Victoria: I think getting comfortable with the uncomfortable. That’s what it’s all about. I took huge comfort from hearing other people’s stories. I want other people facing the same issues to not be embarrassed, to not feel that humiliation and to not feel like they can’t talk about it, because talking about it is the most important thing.”
And, Lynn says: “I’m a Stage 3 bowel cancer survivor and I am passionate about this work. I want people to know that because I know what research has done 20 years ago means that we are able to be here today. That’s why I want to do more research, that’s why I want to get the word there. There is a cure for bowel cancer and bowel diseases and it’s called research and in another 20 years’ time we’ll have more great treatments and even cures.”
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Donate nowGut health is unique to you, so hear from experts, people with lived experience and the community to find out ways they manage their gut health. Scientists believe that, from birth, the gut microbiome is linked to virtually every aspect of our health. There is still much more to discover but take your first step here.
I am 71 years old. Diagnosed with Stage 3 rectal adenoma in March 2022. I had chemoradiotherapy and Contact Radiotherapy (Papillon treatment) as due to a rare neurological disorder, which compromises my daily living activities, I did not feel I would cope well with the proposed surgery and permanent stoma.
I had been ignoring an intermittent pain/ache in my left-hand side for over a year. The pain became more permanent and I started to notice my bowel habits change. I was a one time a day in the morning regular as clockwork for all my life. It then went up to 3 times and urgent and painful.
My bowel stopped working due to diverticulitis which caused a stricture. My caecum ballooned and this was removed together with 2/3 rds of the colon & a colostomy bag attached for 6 months. This was reversed after 6 months at St Thomas’s Hospital 6 years ago.
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Welcome to our #auguts campaign. This year we are focussing on the MicrobioME because gut health is unique to you. Discover our recipes, share your tips and get comfortable with the uncomfortable.
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