Alice Norris, a 35-year-old mother of two, is sharing her story to help others recognize the early signs of bowel cancer. While pregnant with her second child, Alice noticed blood in her stool. She initially dismissed it as a common pregnancy issue, such as hemorrhoids, but later discovered it was a much more serious condition.
During pregnancy, many women experience physical changes that mimic other health problems. Alice noticed changes in her bowel habits and an increased sense of urgency. Because these symptoms can seem normal during or after childbirth, she waited until after her daughter was born to seek medical advice.
Despite leading an active lifestyle and having no family history of the disease, a colonoscopy revealed a large tumor. Alice described the moment as life-changing. She had to balance the news with the demands of caring for a newborn and a toddler while starting immediate medical care.
Alice underwent 12 weeks of intensive chemotherapy and radiation. The treatment required her to stop breastfeeding and rely heavily on her husband for support. While the journey has been physically and emotionally draining, she remains focused on her upcoming scans and potential surgery this spring.
Bowel cancer is highly treatable if caught early. Experts emphasize that while the disease is more common in people over 50, cases in younger adults are on the rise. Alice urges anyone noticing persistent changes in their bathroom habits to speak with a doctor right away.