Rebecca Noonan, a 35-year-old accountant and mother of two, described a two-year period where she managed increasingly persistent, yet subtle, bowel symptoms. Her experience, which ultimately led to a diagnosis of stage 2A bowel cancer, underscores the importance of recognizing and seeking medical attention for seemingly minor bodily changes.

Initially, Noonan attributed her fatigue and stomach issues to common causes like dairy or fatty food consumption. She adapted her social life around avoiding situations that might trigger discomfort or require frequent bathroom visits. The embarrassment surrounding bowel health often led her to conceal her symptoms from friends and acquaintances, and even from her family to a significant extent.

"My symptoms were really subtle," Noonan told the Daily Mail. "I'd think, 'my stomach's a bit upset,' but I could always explain it away. I'd tell myself I'd had too much dairy or too much fatty food."

A significant red flag emerged in November 2023 with a single episode of rectal bleeding. While she sought immediate medical attention, initial tests, including a CT scan, came back clear, and the bleeding did not recur. This led to further investigations over the following months, including tests for coeliac disease and lactose intolerance, and consultations with a gastroenterologist. Doctors noted slightly elevated inflammation markers but found no cause for significant concern.

Attention later turned to her menstrual cycle, as symptoms seemed to correlate with ovulation and menstruation. Despite a doctor suggesting a colonoscopy was not necessary, Noonan did not undergo the procedure at that time.

A Diagnosis Uncovered

In early 2025, a change in general practitioner led to a suspected diagnosis of endometriosis. Scans confirmed the condition, and a specialist recommended surgery, stipulating a colonoscopy as a precautionary measure beforehand due to the earlier bleeding incident.

During the colonoscopy in November 2025, doctors discovered a tumor approximately the size of a golf ball. The subsequent biopsy confirmed it was cancer. Noonan, alone and recovering from anesthesia, received the devastating news.

"They told me they'd found a tumour about the size of a golf ball. They sent it away for biopsy, but already knew it was cancer," she said. "I just remember hearing that I had cancer. At that point we didn't know how bad it was, and when you hear the word cancer, you think you're going to die."

Further tests revealed the cancer had not spread beyond the bowel wall. In December 2025, Noonan underwent surgery to remove about 40 centimeters of her colon and her appendix. The tumor was classified as stage 2A bowel cancer, and because it had not metastasized, she did not require chemotherapy or radiation.

Subsequent testing identified serrated polyposis syndrome, a condition that increases the risk of bowel cancer, likely explaining her early diagnosis. She now undergoes regular surveillance screenings.

Moving Forward and Raising Awareness

Six months post-surgery, Noonan reports feeling healthier than she has in years. She is now passionate about encouraging others to recognize subtle symptoms and not dismiss them. "I think it's really important to know what's normal for you," she stated. "But just because you have another condition doesn't mean every symptom should automatically be put down to it."

Noonan is particularly keen to raise awareness that bowel cancer can affect younger adults. She lists common symptoms to watch for, including blood in the stool, persistent changes in bowel habits, unexplained fatigue, weight loss, and abdominal pain. According to Bowel Cancer Australia, these symptoms, while often indicative of less serious conditions, warrant medical attention if they persist or if blood is observed in the stool at any time.