Father ignored bowel cancer symptoms for months before diagnosis

Health & FitnessFamily & Parenting
19 Nov 2025 • 10:55 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • A Cancer Research UK survey indicates many Britons are postponing checks for potential cancer symptoms, with over half (53 per cent) of respondents having anticipated difficulties in securing GP appointments.
  • Other significant barriers include believing symptoms are not serious (44 per cent), choosing to manage them independently (43 per cent) and a reluctance to 'make a fuss' (40 per cent).
  • Steve Browne, a bowel cancer survivor, highlighted the critical importance of early diagnosis, having had his own cancer caught early after his wife urged him to see a doctor.
  • Browne had experienced intermittent bleeding and stomach pain for several months before his diagnosis.
  • To address these issues, Cancer Research UK has partnered with Tesco to train pharmacists to help identify potential cancer signs and offer guidance on next steps.

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