On World Cancer Research Day, Rachel Reed shares her story of how she was diagnosed with bowel cancer at the age of 33 after she experienced two symptoms that were initially dismissed
Rachel Reed was diagnosed with bowel cancer at the age of 33(Image: Handout)
A healthy and active woman believed she was ‘cancer-proof’, until she was given a heartwrenching diagnosis after experiencing two unsuspecting symptoms.
Rachel Reed, from Wales, led an active lifestyle and strived to take care of her health. “Because I was quite active, I was a gym goer, ate my five fruit and veg a day, I didn’t drink, didn’t smoke, I thought I was quite low risk of having anything like cancer,” she said.
But in 2018, at the age of 33, Rachel’s world turned upside down when she was diagnosed with bowel cancer. It took 18 months to finally get a diagnosis after Rachel experienced symptoms of abdominal pain and tiredness.
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‘I thought I was quite low risk of having anything like cancer’, Rachel shared(Image: Handout)
“I didn’t recognise any of the symptoms. With the tiredness and the stomach pains, I wasn’t aware they were a red flag,” Rachel shared. “It didn’t even cross my mind, so when they told me, I was in utter shock.”
Rachel spent months searching for answers about her initial symptoms, and at first was prescribed treatment for IBS. Then it was thought that her symptoms could be a side effect of her psoriasis, medication or a food intolerance.
After finally getting her diagnosis, she she underwent two major surgeries and chemotherapy. After two challenging years, she was given the all-clear in April 2020 and has since focused on her recovery and rebuilding her life.
In a bid to help others, Rachel, now 40, who lives with her husband Dean and dog Sheldon in Pontypridd, is sharing her story and supporting Cancer Research Wales. “If I can prevent one person from being diagnosed late as I did then I am happy,” she shared.
“There are a lot of young people not aware that it can happen to them even if they are fit, healthy and young. I wasn’t aware of that at all. I just thought I was cancer-proof at a young age.”
Today (24 September) marks World Cancer Research Day, and Rachel is one of the many people living with the long-term effects of the illness, supporting Cancer Research Wales’ Stripe a Pose campaign. The campaign today encourages people to get dancing and moving, helping to raise funds for the charity’s life-changing work.
Rachel with her husband Dean and dog Sheldon(Image: Handout)
People have been asked to wear stripey tops, socks, trousers, or anything else they fancy and capture it in a photo or video to post on social media using #StripeAPose and tagging @CancerResearchWales. In addition, Welsh TikTok star Lewis Leigh has choreographed a dance routine to encourage people to join him, share it on Instagram or TikTok, and nominate three friends.
Lewis shared: “Cancer has touched my family in such a personal way after losing my Bampi, so supporting Cancer Research Wales means a lot to me.
“I wanted to be part of the Stripe a Pose campaign because it’s about bringing people together across Wales in a positive way, while raising awareness and funds that will help real people here at home.
“Dance has always been my way of connecting with people, and I hope this routine inspires others to get involved, have fun, and support the vital research that could one day save lives.”
Adam Fletcher, Chief Executive Officer of Cancer Research Wales shared: “I would like to thanks to Rachel for her support for Cancer Research Wales and our Stripe a Pose campaign.
“At Cancer Research Wales, we fund research that brings hope today and transforms lives tomorrow – but we can’t do this without the support of the people of Wales.
“Please get involved with Stripe a Pose on 24 September – it’s a day to unite against cancer by wearing stripes, having fun and raising funds for cancer research here in Wales.
“Since launching three years ago, Stripe a Pose has brought together thousands of people from right across Wales – all united in one bold, brilliant goal: to beat cancer.”