In this special bonus episode, Michelle Ford is joined by Dr Anisha Patel (@doctorsgetcancertoo), a doctor and patient advocate who shares her powerful first-hand experience of bowel cancer.

"There is a global epidemic of this and it's been in the news loads. There was a huge study in The Lancet recently where 27 out of 50 countries have seen this rise in the under 50s. And Cancer Research UK actually published figures that all cancers have risen by 24% since 1995 to 2019 and bowel cancer specifically has risen by 50 % in the last 25 years, which is just shocking really." Dr Anisha Patel

As we mark Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, this conversation shines a light on a growing and often overlooked issue - more younger people are being diagnosed, often without the typical risk factors.

Dr Anisha talks openly about her journey to diagnosis, the realities of navigating the healthcare system as both a doctor and a patient, and why we all need to be better at listening to our bodies and 'knowing our normal'.

Bowel cancer is no longer just a disease affecting older people. Rates in under-50s are rising, and many are diagnosed later because symptoms can be missed or dismissed. Early detection is key - and awareness can save lives. The survival rate for bowel cancer is 90% if caught early enough. If you were born in 1990 or later your chances of getting bowel cancer have increased 4X.

• The rise of bowel cancer in younger people
• Dr Anisha’s personal story and diagnosis
• Why some patients don’t fit the “typical” risk profile
• The importance of being listened to - and advocating for yourself
• How lifestyle, environment, and genetics may all play a role - Dr Anisha talks about the importance of fibre in our diet

Dr Anisha shares the key signs to look out for and an acronym to help you remember:

• B - Blood in your stool
• O - Obvious changes in bowel habits
• W - Unexplained weight loss
• E - Extreme tiredness
• L - lumps in tummy - abdominal pain or discomfort

If something doesn’t feel right and it persists - get it checked - and don't ignore that NHS poop check. It only takes a second and could make all the difference.

You are never too young to know your body. Paying attention to changes and acting early can make all the difference.

🎧 Listen now to hear the full conversation and Dr Anisha’s powerful message on awareness, advocacy, and early detection.

Dr Anisha Patel instagram @doctorsgetcancertoo

Bowel Cancer UK website

#bowelcancer #knowyournormal #coloncancer #bowelcancerawareness

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