Living in the UK, Paul Swift noticed blood in the toilet when he first saw the symptoms. However, at that time, being in training for a marathon, feeling fit and healthy as a father of a young child, he associated this situation with his intense sports program and chose to ignore it. The 39-year-old engineer opened up to his wife Jess about his symptoms in July 2023 as they became more frequent. Paul, urged by his wife, went to the doctor and was shocked by the rectal cancer diagnosis just a few weeks before the big race.

“I thought my life was over,” says Paul, “My daughter was only three years old. I wondered if I would be able to see her grow up. Because I felt very good and in great shape,” he recalls those moments. Initially, doctors recommended surgery requiring a permanent stoma bag. However, Paul seized the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial supported by Cancer Research UK, which included a less invasive treatment method.

A research conducted at the Christie NHS Foundation in Manchester involves administering the chemotherapy drug capecitabine twice daily and high-dose daily radiotherapy instead of surgery to some rectal cancer patients. This treatment, lasting five weeks, is planned to be widely available within the NHS in the future.

Paul Swift says that the treatment had almost no impact on his daily life, and he was even able to continue working. Just a few weeks after the treatment, Paul got married. “I was able to stay active thanks to the treatment. It was something I never thought possible when I was diagnosed. I feel very lucky,” he says.

Paul, who has regained his health today, will participate in the Manchester Marathon at the end of this month. Next year, he plans to run an ultra marathon for the benefit of The Christie. After his experience, he wants to raise awareness especially about the risk of bowel cancer at a young age.

Among the mild side effects Paul experienced was a brief burning sensation. According to experts, early diagnosis is crucial for suitability for this treatment. While free bowel cancer screening is offered every two years to individuals aged 50-74 in the UK, an increasing number of young patients are being diagnosed outside this age range. Approximately 44,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year, with 2,600 of them being in the 25-49 age group.

Oncologist Dr. Claire Arthur emphasizes the need to take changes in bowel habits seriously: “Blood in the stool is often not serious, but it can be an early sign of bowel cancer. Therefore, it must be evaluated by a doctor.” Arthur points out that blood in the stool may not always appear bright red, as the color may sometimes completely change. This can make noticing the symptom difficult.

“If you are below the screening age and have symptoms, you must get tested,” says Arthur, noting the increasing incidence of the disease in young people. Currently, only one-third of patients diagnosed with rectal cancer can be successfully treated with a five-week radiotherapy. Others usually require surgical intervention and the use of a stoma bag.

Dr. Arthur finally uses the words, “While many people can live with a stoma, it can affect their quality of life. Therefore, new treatment options are extremely valuable. We are in an exciting period in bowel cancer treatment.”