Hertfordshire farmer diagnosed with bowel cancer at 33 urges others to get checked
James Rogers first noticed something unusual while on holiday last year, spotting blood in his stool
A 33-year-old farmer from Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, is urging young people to take their health seriously and get symptoms checked following his own diagnosis of bowel cancer.
James Rogers first noticed something unusual while on holiday last year, spotting blood in his stool.
Although the bleeding stopped within a few days, he decided to visit his doctor as a precaution.
After undergoing a faecal immunochemical test (FIT test), which checks for blood in stool samples, James' results came back positive, leading to a colonoscopy where the tumour was discovered.
Speaking about the experience, James said, “Physically, I felt 100% fine, but I had seen blood and decided to go to the doctors to be sure.
This time, the FIT test came back positive, and during the colonoscopy, they found the tumour.”
After his diagnosis, James underwent surgery to remove the tumour and later received chemotherapy as part of his treatment plan.
Now 34, James is recovering and hopes his story will encourage others, particularly younger people, to act on any symptoms they notice.
James stressed the importance of paying attention to symptoms such as blood in stool, persistent stomach pain, bloating, or lumps. “If you have symptoms, even if it’s just a bit of blood or persistent tummy pains, go and get checked. It might save your life, and it’s well worth it,” James said.
Bowel Cancer UK, supported by James Rogers and his partner Ellie Henderson, is highlighting the growing number of younger people being diagnosed with bowel cancer.
According to Genevieve Edwards, chief executive of Bowel Cancer UK, "Although the disease is more common in the over-50s, there is evidence that bowel cancer is increasing in younger people, including in the UK."
While the exact reasons behind the increase in cases among younger age groups are still being studied, experts suggest that factors such as poor diet, obesity, and lack of physical exercise may play a role in some cases.
Data from Cancer Research UK indicates that bowel cancer incidence rates have risen by 52% among adults aged 25 to 49 since the early 1990s.
Currently, there are around 2,600 cases of bowel cancer diagnosed annually in the UK among people aged 25 to 49.
Across all age groups, there are approximately 44,100 new cases each year, making it the fourth most common cancer in the country.
James hopes his experience will serve as a reminder for others to prioritise their health. Reflecting on his outlook following his diagnosis, James said, "Life is so precious. Once you’ve played Russian roulette with life, you appreciate everything more than you ever did before."