I have rectal cancer.
 
I first went into the doctor with my partner in 2018, experiencing the passing of pain, mucous and blood.
 
I was told without any procedure, examination or check that it would be internal haemorrhoids and recommended a month rest from exercise, fibre and Buscopan.
 
After this break from exercise and the clinic renovations complete, I went back in.
 
I was experiencing low mood and passing of blood intermittent. Still no examination, but I was given a blood test.
 
I went back in again as I was still experiencing bleeding.
 
Without any examination of the area, I was then given an internal haemorrhoid management plan.
 
This worked. Till it didn’t.
 
I took this advice as gospel as I trusted my doctor.
 
Fast forward two years, where the bleeding wouldn’t stop with the ‘management plan’. I went back in and was told I have IBS.
 
But with persistence I was given a digital examination and colonoscopy which found Stage 3 rectal cancer.