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- Scott's story | A shock diagnosis, swift treatment, and life beyond a stage 3 bowel cancer diagnosis
Scott was fit, healthy, and enjoying life - until a shock bowel cancer diagnosis turned his world upside down.
Cycling enthusiast, Scott was shocked to receive a bowel cancer diagnosis at the age of 53.
“I was in Italy with a group of friends cycling from Milan to Gorgonzola when I started to feel a burning session going up my lower spine while I was in the seat. Then I started to notice traces of blood when I had a bowel movement.
Back in the UK, I went straight to my GP who initially suggested it was probably haemorrhoids, but did a Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) which indicated there was an issue. I was sent for a colonoscopy which showed I had an aggressive tumour in my bowels.”
With no prior symptoms, Scott was shocked to receive a stage 3 cancer diagnosis.
“As soon as I received my diagnosis, I felt time was of the essence and wanted to get things done quickly. Luckily, I was able to access private health care through my partner Shelley’s work benefits. I didn’t want to wait around.”
After initially seeing Mr Nunoo-Mensah, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon, Scott was referred to Dr Kasia Owczarczyk, Consultant in Clinical Oncology at GenesisCare in London to discuss a treatment plan.
“Dr Owczarczyk has been a rock, and I couldn’t ask for a better person to be on my side. She laid out my treatment plan clearly and it started the week after my consultation with her. She was there every step of the way.”
Scott’s treatment began with a course of chemotherapy to help shrink the tumour ahead of surgery – an infusion and oral chemotherapy tablets for two out of three weeks for a total of three months. Scott explained “I was fortunate to experience limited side effects. I felt the cold a lot more than usual, but it only lasted while I was going through chemo.”
After a break of a few weeks, Scott then underwent 5 sessions of MRI-guided stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) delivered on the MR Linac at GenesisCare in Cromwell Hospital, London to further shrink the tumour. GenesisCare is the only healthcare provider in the UK to offer access to treatment on the MR Linac for rectal cancer outside of clinical trials, so Scott felt fortunate to be able to access it.
Scott explains, “This type of radiotherapy has laser precision, unlike conventional radiotherapy which blasts a wider area and can affect healthy tissue. My radiotherapy was completed in just one week, with one session each day, and I didn’t suffer any side effects.
My radiotherapy was completed in just one week, with one session each day, and I didn’t suffer any side effects.
Scott then had a further break of 6 weeks before undergoing surgery and explains “I had a 7-hour operation to remove the tumour, and a temporary colostomy bag fitted. It’s not what I’d have wanted but it was necessary, and I had to get my head around it, but I did get used to it quite quickly.
I then had another dose of chemotherapy, which Dr Owczarczyk recommended based on positive outcomes reported in clinical trials. I responded really well to all treatments and in September 2024 I had a stoma reversal operation, and the colostomy bag removed. I didn’t experience issues after either of my surgeries and was walking around straight away without too much pain.”
Dr Kasia Owczarczyk explains “Scott’s treatment was highly personalised taking into account the features of his tumour, the stage of his cancer and his preferences, to ensure the best oncological and functional outcome.
By using MRI-guided SABR, we were able to deliver a higher, more precise dose of radiotherapy than with conventional methods. This approach also allowed us to adjust for daily changes in the position of the tumour and nearby organs, to avoid overdosing healthy tissue which can lead to side effects.
Importantly, this advanced technique meant Scott was able to complete his radiotherapy treatment in just 5 treatment sessions over the course of one week and avoid the side effects often associated with conventional chemoradiotherapy or oral chemotherapy - an option which aligned with his personal goals and preserved his quality of life.
After all the preparation, Scott was pleased he had no complications around the time of his surgery. The operation went very smoothly, according to his bowel surgeon.
His follow-up MRI scan, taken three months post-surgery, showed no evidence of residual or recurrent disease. I’m delighted that Scott continues to be disease free with normal bowel function and maintained quality of life.”
Scott and Shelley decided to tie the knot as a celebration of beating his cancer.
Of his experience, Scott tells us “The treatment and care I received from Dr Owczarczyk was amazing. I could call or text her directly with any concerns and she’d answer me straight away, even when she was on holiday.
Of my cancer experience, I’ve learnt the most important thing is time – the quicker you can get to the treatment, the more chances you’ve got of surviving. For me, I have a fantastic life and a fantastic and supportive partner who I didn’t want to leave behind.”
“Since my treatment we’ve been away quite a bit to Portugal and Spain for weekends. We went skiing in Chamonix in January and we plan to spend some time in Sicily in July. I even travelled whilst I had the stoma without any issues at all.”
Scott concludes “Cancer isn’t uncommon these days – 1 in 2 people get it. My biggest advice to anyone who might have noticed a change in their bowel movements or are experiencing pain is don’t wait because the sooner you get it checked, the more chance you’ve got. And, if you do get a cancer diagnosis it’s not the end of the world, you can beat it - I did!”
At GenesisCare, our cancer services are delivered by a dedicated multidisciplinary team of experts — including clinical and medical oncologists, specialist surgeons, radiographers, medical physicists, clinical nurse specialists, and therapists. Together, they collaborate to understand your individual needs and recommend the best treatment for your condition, supporting you at every stage to achieve the best possible outcome. You’ll also be able to access a number of non-clinical services that support patients through their treatments and beyond. If you or a loved one are looking for expert, compassionate cancer care, get in touch today to see how we can help.
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