Young Mother’s Cancer Journey Highlights Urgent Need for Awareness

A young mother from Tonbridge, Kent, is raising awareness about the symptoms of colorectal cancer after being diagnosed with stage four of the disease. At just 27 years old, Beth Stichbury has faced significant health challenges, including chronic pain and fatigue, after years of her symptoms being dismissed by healthcare professionals.

Beth’s journey began when she first visited her general practitioner (GP) at the age of 20, experiencing troubling stomach issues such as constipation and occasional bleeding. Over the next six years, she returned to her GP multiple times but was consistently reassured that her symptoms were either trivial or attributed to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

In August 2024, after persistent discomfort, Beth was finally referred for a colonoscopy. It was during this procedure that she saw a tumour on the screen, marking a pivotal moment in her health journey. Just weeks later, while driving to Sainsbury’s, she received a phone call from her doctor confirming her diagnosis of stage four colorectal cancer.

The diagnosis has brought devastating news, with doctors indicating that the likelihood of the cancer being fatal is “relatively high.” This poses a heartbreaking reality for Beth, who is a mother to a three-year-old daughter named Willow. She expressed her concerns for her daughter’s future, stating, “I would love to see her go to school.”

Colorectal cancer, known as the fourth deadliest cancer globally, typically begins with the development of polyps in the colon or rectum. Beth has since started chemotherapy, which began in October 2024, and will continue until it ceases to be effective. Unfortunately, the cancer has already metastasized to her liver and lungs, causing severe pain and requiring a stoma to be fitted.

Beth’s condition has severely impacted her daily life, leaving her unable to engage in activities that many take for granted. “I have forgotten what it feels like to stand up and not be in pain,” she said. The once-active former ballet teacher now struggles with basic tasks and misses the joys of taking her daughter to the park.

In light of her experience, Beth is considering legal action against the healthcare providers responsible for her misdiagnosis. She visited her GP around eight times before receiving a proper referral. Each time, she was told to adjust her diet and drink more water, leading her to believe her symptoms were not serious.

Expressing her frustration, Beth remarked, “The doctors just told me to drink more water and focus on my diet.” She believes her age and physical fitness may have contributed to the dismissal of her symptoms.

Determined to make a difference, Beth has taken proactive steps to educate others about the early signs of colorectal cancer. She has created symptom posters and distributed them in public spaces, aiming to encourage young people to seek medical advice if they experience similar issues.

Beth’s story serves as a crucial reminder that cancer does not discriminate by age. Her hope is that by sharing her experience, she can inspire others to advocate for their health and seek appropriate medical attention.