When Hull-based mom-of-three Jenny Duncan first noticed unusual symptoms while on a vacation in Lanzarote back in 2019, she brushed them off as nothing serious. At 45 years old, fit and healthy, Jenny assumed it might be piles or simply stress.
Like many of us, she felt too embarrassed to talk about issues related to “poo and bums.” But little did she know, those small signs would eventually lead to a diagnosis that changed her life forever.
Ignoring the Signs
Jenny began experiencing stomach pains, bloating, and even spotting blood on her toilet paper. Instead of seeing a doctor, she told herself it was stress from starting her new role as an assistant headteacher.
Jenny Duncan was 45 when she first noticed signs of cancer (Cover Images)
“I was very tired, but I thought that was just down to work pressure,” Jenny explained. She admitted she wasn’t the type to rush to the doctor and was even “a bit embarrassed” about her symptoms.
But things got worse. By October 2019, she was going to the toilet up to five times a day and bleeding regularly. Jenny started taking photos to track her symptoms, and when her husband Stuart accidentally saw them, he urged her to seek help immediately.
The Diagnosis That Changed Everything
Initially, doctors told Jenny she was “too young” for bowel cancer. But after showing her photos, she was referred to a specialist. That same month, she was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer.
“I thought bowel cancer only happened to older men,” Jenny recalled. “If I’d paid more attention earlier, maybe things would be different.”
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Jenny underwent surgery in March 2020, right as Covid-19 restrictions hit. While the tumor was removed, the cancer later spread to her lymph nodes. By January 2022, she was told her condition was incurable.
Living With Stage 4 Bowel Cancer
Understandably, the news left Jenny devastated. “I kept telling Stuart, ‘I’m going to die.’ I just broke down.” But after a few days, she made a powerful choice: to keep living her life.
She thought it was too embarrassing to talk about (Cover Images)
Today, Jenny continues to work, spend time with her sons Joseph (26) and twins Matthew and James (24), and make the most of each day. Though she can’t tolerate chemotherapy well, she has regular scans every few months.
“It’s been three years since my surgery. I get tired, but I still live a full life. I’m just grateful for every single day,” she shared.
What You Can Learn From Jenny’s Story
Bowel cancer doesn’t just affect “older men.” It can happen to anyone, even in your 40s. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms include:
- Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation)
- Rectal bleeding or blood in stool
- Persistent stomach pain, gas, or cramps
- Unexplained fatigue or weight loss
Now Jenny is spending time with her family (Cover Images)
Jenny’s message is clear: don’t ignore embarrassing symptoms. If you notice changes in your body, get checked. It might just save your life.
For more information and resources, visit Bowel Cancer UK.
