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A woman who was misdiagnosed by four GPs as having irritable bowel syndrome and piles was devastated to find she actually had cancer.

Before her diagnosis, Debbie Cameron had received two bowel cancer screening tests since turning 60 - but nothing was ever detected.

But in February 2017, the 65-year-old was alarmed when she found blood in her stools and immediately visited her GP.

She said: "When I found blood I was a bit worried as it is one of the signs and symptoms of cancer.

(Image: Debbie Cameron)

"However, I have had blood in my stools previously, although a long time ago, around 20 years, and I had two colonoscopies that came back negative for any malignancy."

The former medical secretary, from Formby , was told she had 'nothing to be concerned about' and was told she had simply had either IBS or piles.

Debbie said: "After I first noticed the symptoms I thought that as it was not serious, that the blood would go away.

"When the GP advised me that they did not think there was any major worry, I was not too concerned as I had no other symptoms at all. No weight loss, pain, change in bowel habits.

"However, [the blood] returned so I went back to my doctor who reassured me.

"It then seemed to clear up but came back a few weeks later, hence I then returned to my GP only to be told there was nothing seriously wrong.

"I then moved house and saw a different GP, who did not even see me face-to-face.

"I was given a telephone appointment with a GP I had never even met. He said he did not think it was blood and nothing needed to be done."

During her frequent visits to the GP, Debbie received a bowel screening test in the post and completed it straight away.

The results of the test came back inconclusive, and after repeating it twice more she was told the third set had returned as positive and was referred for a colonoscopy.

(Image: Debbie Cameron)

Debbie said: "I was devastated at receiving a letter advising me that I needed a colonoscopy due to the presence of blood.

"My symptoms were the same as when I first saw my GP and yet here was a letter that was expressing more concern than four GPs had shown.

"I also felt really angry about this, but I wasn’t particularly frustrated as I trusted them, I had no other symptoms and I'd had two colonoscopies previously that proved negative to cancer or any other disease."

Following the colonoscopy, Debbie was advised by the radiologist that she had cancer.

She said: "I must have been in shock as I did not cry or break down. However, it was a kind of relief that someone had taken my concerns seriously and at least I knew what I was dealing with."

Debbie was told she had a very small tumour, but after an operation to remove it she was dealt some devastating news.

She said: "I was advised that it was a stage 3 tumour, it had spread to adjoining lymph glands and so there was the possibility it will spread.

"Because of this, I needed chemotherapy which was very upsetting.

"I was then very angry that had I been taken seriously a year before, I would probably be a stage 2 which I understand is 95% curable.

"I have also had to have a colostomy which has not exactly helped matters."

Symptoms of bowel cancer The three main symptoms of bowel cancer are: persistent blood in your poo – that happens for no obvious reason or is associated with a change in bowel habit

– that happens for no obvious reason or is associated with a change in bowel habit a persistent change in your bowel habit – which is usually having to poo more and your poo may also become more runny

– which is usually having to poo more and your poo may also become more runny persistent lower abdominal (tummy) pain, bloating or discomfort – that's always caused by eating and may be associated with loss of appetite or significant unintentional weight loss When to get medical advice See your GP If you have 1 or more of the symptoms of bowel cancer and they have persisted for more than 4 weeks. Your GP may decide to: examine your tummy and bottom to make sure you have no lumps

arrange for a simple blood test to check for iron deficiency anaemia – this can show whether there's any bleeding from your bowel that you have not been aware of

arrange for you to have a simple test in hospital to make sure there's no serious cause of your symptoms Make sure you see your GP if your symptoms persist or keep coming back after stopping treatment, regardless of their severity or your age. You'll probably be referred to hospital.

Debbie had to go through six months of gruelling treatment with painful side effects including the skin on her foot completely peeling off and hair loss.

She said: "The chemotherapy was hard. Because of various side effects, including severe peripheral neuropathy I had to change to a different regime of treatment after my first cycle.

"However, I then developed severe skin problems on my feet, I could not walk as all the skin on my feet peeled off, as well as other symptoms.

"I was finally put on a third regime which was bearable, although I had fatigue, sore feet though not as bad as previously, lack of appetite and hair loss.

"I also developed a big blister on my back which meant I delayed treatment for a week. All in all, I had six months of treatment.

"My last regime meant an IV injection at Clatterbridge every week for 15 weeks - this was very hard mentally.

(Image: Debbie Cameron)

"I had the chemotherapy eight weeks after a major operation and I was also trying to get used to coping with a stoma. It was very hard."

Debbie finished her treatment in October 2018 and is gradually improving - but mentally she is still struggling.

She said: "Mentally it is very hard both for me and my friends and family, who I also worry about.

"I have to have various blood tests every three months and scans every six to 12 months to check for recurrence.

"Mentally this is tough as I have to wait for up to five weeks after each scan to see if I have got to an incurable stage of my disease and this takes its toll.

"It is difficult to live a 'normal' life with the threat of becoming terminally ill at any time.

"I have found support with friends and family and also with a great support group in my area, the Formby Friends and Cancer Support Group which can be found on Facebook.

"The Macmillan cancer charity’s office in Southport has been really helpful and supportive and I am currently on a course that is run by them which helps those recovering from treatment.

"They also have meetings, various groups and activities such as walking. It helps to come together with those who have been through this tough time."

Now, Debbie wants to raise awareness of how important it is to take a bowel cancer screening when offered.

She said: "Four GPs, three of whom did not examine me, told me I had IBS or haemorrhoids.

"They did not even mention cancer. If I had not coincidentally received my routine bowel screening kit I would almost certainly have gone straight to stage 4.

"Quite simply and without exaggeration, it saved my life.

"I hope my story encourages some of that 40% of people who ignore the test to take it."

Rose Stone, Head of Support and Information at Bowel Cancer UK, said: "It’s quite simple, bowel cancer screening saves lives. Bowel cancer is the UK’s second-biggest cancer killer, but it shouldn’t be as it’s treatable and curable especially if diagnosed early.

"I would encourage everyone who’s over 60 to take the screening test, and for those who are younger to encourage their loved ones over 60 to complete it. It could save your life."