A mother initially attributing her bloating to menopause was unexpectedly diagnosed with colon cancer upon discovering “speckled blood” in her stool. Natalie Hushin, 54, originally linked her discomfort to menopausal changes but became alarmed by the unusual symptoms. When she noticed blood in her stool and difficulties in bowel movements, she sought medical advice leading to a colonoscopy and subsequent cancer diagnosis.
Following the identification of colon tumors, Natalie, a resident of Runcorn, Cheshire, underwent a complex 10-and-a-half-hour surgery to remove the tumor and underwent six rounds of chemotherapy. She now advocates for awareness of colon cancer symptoms, emphasizing that unexplained weight loss can also be a sign.
Reflecting on her journey, Natalie shared, “The surgery successfully removed the tumor and adjacent lymph nodes. Subsequent tests revealed cancer on my liver, requiring further chemotherapy and treatments.” Despite commencing treatment in September 2025, a setback occurred in December with the discovery of a liver tumor. Subsequent procedures led to a successful liver resection, underscoring the challenges she faced during her battle.
Natalie reiterated the importance of early detection, emphasizing the need for regular monitoring through scans every three months for the next decade. She expressed gratitude for the skilled medical team involved in her surgeries and stressed the significance of timely interventions to prevent unnecessary complications.
