Although Mary was adopted as a child she was fortunate enough to meet her birth mother during her teens, who had told her that she had a family history of bowel cancer and Lynch syndrome. By January, Mary’s symptoms had worsened so she attended her GP, who referred her for a scope.

“I had been told that bowel cancer was rife in my family, but I always thought this was something I would have to worry about later in life. But after the scope, the consultant told me straight away that she didn’t like what she could see.”

After an MRI a few days later, Mary was diagnosed with stage 2 colorectal cancer, aged 49.

“It was absolutely devastating, but I didn’t have time to process anything. I found it extremely overwhelming. With any diagnosis you are terrified but when the word cancer is thrown into the mix it raises the diagnosis to a new level. All the negative emotions crept in, I felt adrift, lost and terrified.”

Mary was also diagnosed with Lynch Syndrome- a genetic condition which is passed on between families. People with Lynch Syndrome are more at risk of developing certain types of cancer.

This diagnosis was an additional blow to Mary, but she says she feels extremely lucky because after her tumour was removed she was told that she required no further treatment. She is due to get a hysterectomy this month and her team will continue to monitor her due to her Lynch Syndrome diagnosis.

Mary is a mother of two girls, speaking about her incredible supportive family, she says:

Mary is keen to highlight the long waiting lists for genetic testing and the worry that brings.

“Because I’m Lynch positive I’m aware there’s a 50% chance that I have passed the gene on to my daughters, who are 18 and 21. As a parent that’s a big worry, throw cancer at me that’s fine I can deal with it but its horrible waiting to find out if my children are also at risk. The waiting lists are 18-24 months long, that’s along time to have that worry at the back of your mind.”

This Colorectal cancer awareness month, Mary wants to bring awareness to the importance of early detection.

“No matter what age you are know the signs and symptoms and what to look out for and seek medical advice you have any concerns at all. As an adoptee, I was very fortunate to be given the information I got, I look at others who have no idea of medical history and how ignorance could stop them from seeking medical help, and thinking it would pass. Please visit your doctor if you have any concerns about your body and take up screening if you are of age, it saves lives.”