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<\/p>\n‘After I was diagnosed, I realised it can happen to anyone, regardless of their age or lifestyle’<\/p>\n
Aisling Gallagher has opened up about her personal experience with bowel cancer(Image: Aisling Gallagher \/ Instagram)<\/p>\n
A Co Antrim woman has opened up about her personal experience with bowel cancer as she urges people to familiarise themselves with the symptoms and to avail of routine screening if they are eligible.<\/p>\n
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is one of the most common cancers in Northern Ireland<\/a>, but when found early, treatment is more likely to be successful.<\/p>\n April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, and the Northern Health and Social Care Trust <\/a>has teamed up with social media<\/a> influencer Aisling Gallagher who is says people shouldn’t be embarrassed about the condition and instead get help before it\u2019s too late.<\/p>\n READ MORE: Women urged to recognise early signs of cancer often mistaken for other common conditions<\/a>READ MORE: ‘This climb is for Alison and for every family in Northern Ireland affected by blood cancer’<\/a><\/p>\n Aisling, 33, and from Crumlin<\/a> in Co Antrim<\/a>, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2020. She initially experienced a change in her toilet habits, which prompted her to seek medical advice.<\/p>\n Until then, Aisling had always enjoyed good health<\/a> and had no reason to be concerned. Looking back, she says the experience taught her just how important it is to listen to your body and pay attention when something feels unusual.<\/p>\n \u201cI was always super healthy and didn\u2019t have any issues and never needed to go to the doctor for very much. But after I was diagnosed, I realised it can happen to anyone, regardless of their age or lifestyle, so it is super important if you notice anything different or unusual to seek help,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Aisling was diagnosed in 2020(Image: Aisling Gallagher \/ Instagram)<\/p>\n Echoing this, the Northern Trust\u2019s Colorectal Clinical Nurse Specialist Sarah Lowry said: \u201cThe main things to look out for<\/a> are a persistent change in your bowel habits, like looser stools, going more often, or constipation that doesn\u2019t settle, as well as any bleeding from your bottom or blood in your poo, whether it be bright red or darker in colour.<\/p>\n \u201cOngoing tummy pain, unexplained weight loss, or feeling more tired than usual can also be signs. If you notice any of these symptoms, please speak to your GP.\u201d<\/p>\n Aisling appreciates that the symptoms associated with bowel cancer<\/a> can be uncomfortable for people to discuss, but she offers this gentle advice for anyone who\u2019s worried about changes in their body: \u201cSymptoms can feel embarrassing and a little taboo, but it really doesn\u2019t matter because you would much rather get the help that you need before it\u2019s too late, because early detection is key with bowel cancer.\u201d<\/p>\n The 33-year-old initially experienced a change in her toilet habits(Image: Aisling Gallagher \/ Instagram)<\/p>\n Screening also plays a vital role, and Northern Ireland\u2019s Bowel Cancer Screening Programme offers checks every two years to all individuals aged 60 to 74 who are registered with a GP.<\/p>\n People in this age group will automatically be sent an invitation and a screening kit in the post so they can do the test at home, which involves collecting a stool sample.<\/p>\n Aisling regularly keeps followers updated on her @galsgoss page(Image: Aisling Gallagher \/ Instagram)<\/p>\n Sarah added: \u201cScreening is for people without symptoms and it is one of the best tools we have to detect bowel cancer early, which is so important as early detection really does save lives.\u201d<\/p>\n To find out more about bowel cancer, go to https:\/\/www.macmillan.org.uk\/cancer-information-and-support\/bowel-cancer<\/a> where you\u2019ll find a host of information.<\/p>\n If you have any concerns about symptoms or changes in your body, contact your GP as soon as possible for advice, reassurance and referral if required.<\/p>\n![\"Aisling](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1_Screenshot-2026-04-01-134218.jpg\")
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