Kylie Swords, a 38-year-old mother of two, has shared her experience of being diagnosed with stage 3B bowel cancer in December 2024, after initially being told by physicians that she was too young for the disease. Swords first noticed symptoms in late 2022, including an itchy anus that disrupted her sleep and an episode of stomach pain with rectal bleeding.
She reported that her long-time general practitioner advised her to ignore the symptoms, stating she was "too young for anything serious." A hospital visit for stomach pain and bleeding a few months prior to her diagnosis also did not result in a physical examination, as doctors deemed it a one-time event with no urgency.
"I was raising two young kids and building my career, so it's pretty surprising, particularly on the back of being told by several doctors that they were confident I was too young for anything serious," Swords told the Daily Mail.
Upon seeking a second opinion from a different GP, Swords was again told she was likely too young for a serious condition, though a referral was eventually made. It was during her appointment with a specialist that a significant lump was discovered upon physical examination. This discovery initiated a rapid series of medical tests, including a CT scan, MRI, and colonoscopy, within a week. Although a formal diagnosis took several more weeks, the specialist was reportedly confident about the nature of the issue.
Swords underwent surgery at Macquarie University Hospital, followed by 11 rounds of chemotherapy. She also had a temporary stoma, which was later reversed. She continues to experience long-term effects from her treatment, including low anterior resection syndrome (LARS), which impacts her toileting, and cognitive issues such as memory problems and brain fog attributed to chemotherapy. She also suffers from ongoing cold sensitivity in her hands.
Despite being told there is no evidence of disease, Swords feels she has not fully returned to normal, citing a constant vigilance for any physical changes and fear of recurrence. She advocates for others, especially younger individuals, to not dismiss or delay seeking medical attention for persistent symptoms.
Swords's experience comes amid a trend of increasing cancer diagnoses in Australians under 40. Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) indicates that rising rates of bowel and thyroid cancer are significant contributors to this increase. Bowel cancer rates specifically have risen from 6.3 to 18.9 cases per 100,000 people in the 30-39 age group between 2000 and 2025.
Associate Professor Dan Buchanan, a spokesperson for Bowel Cancer Australia, suggested that factors such as increased sedentary behavior, environmental influences like microplastics and agricultural chemicals, and modern Western diets high in processed foods and low in fiber could be contributing to these rising rates. He also urged young Australians to be aware of potential warning signs such as rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, and persistent abdominal pain, and to consult a doctor if symptoms persist.