A Mother’s Journey: From Misdiagnosed Symptoms to Stage 4 Cancer
Charlie O’Brien, a 43-year-old mother from Bromley in South East London, once believed her persistent night sweats were a natural part of perimenopause. However, what she initially dismissed as hormonal changes turned out to be an early warning sign of stage 4 bowel cancer. Her story highlights the importance of recognizing subtle symptoms and advocating for proper medical attention.
The Hidden Signs of Bowel Cancer
O’Brien, a counsellor and hypnotherapist, had always been fit and healthy. But at the start of 2025, she suddenly became very unwell. Doctors discovered a large tumour on her colon and diagnosed her with stage 3 bowel cancer. Despite not experiencing most of the classic symptoms, her tumour was already three to four years old, as bowel cancer often grows slowly over time.
After her diagnosis, O’Brien began to reflect on her experience and identified several symptoms that she now believes were linked to her condition. These included on-and-off night sweats, an aching and pulling sensation on her left side, bloating, tummy cramps, and constipation. She also noted that she didn’t experience common signs like blood in the stool, weight loss, fatigue, vitamin deficiency, or loss of appetite.
Raising Awareness Through Social Media
In a video shared on TikTok, which has been viewed over 114,000 times, O’Brien detailed the symptoms she didn’t have and urged others to be vigilant about their health. “If I can help someone avoid going through the dreadful experience I’ve had—these posts are more than worth it,” she wrote in the caption.
Her openness has sparked a positive response, with many people sharing that they have either scheduled or undergone a colonoscopy after watching her video. O’Brien has since undergone eight rounds of chemotherapy and continues her treatment journey.
The Growing Concern of Bowel Cancer in Young People
O’Brien’s case is part of a broader trend: an alarming increase in bowel cancer diagnoses among younger individuals. Over the past 30 years, cases of colon cancer in young people have risen by 80% globally, according to research. Meanwhile, rates in older populations have either declined or remained stable.
Experts warn that deaths from bowel cancer could rise by 10% by 2040. Several theories attempt to explain this surge. One study found that exposure to E. coli in childhood may contribute to the rise in cases. Others suggest that lifestyle factors, such as poor diet and lack of exercise, could be playing a role in accelerated aging, increasing the risk of polyps that may develop into cancer.
Possible Causes and Risk Factors
Research has also pointed to the potential impact of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and seed oils like sunflower, canola, corn, and grapeseed. Some studies link the rise in cases to microplastics found in food packaging and additives in store-bought products.
While these factors are still under investigation, O’Brien’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the need for early detection and awareness. She emphasizes the importance of not ignoring unusual symptoms and seeking medical advice when necessary.
Moving Forward with Hope
Despite the challenges, O’Brien remains hopeful. Her courage in sharing her story has already inspired others to take action. As she continues her treatment, she hopes her experience will encourage more people to prioritize their health and seek timely screenings.
Her journey underscores the critical need for increased awareness, research, and support for those affected by bowel cancer. By sharing her story, O’Brien is helping to create a future where more lives can be saved through early detection and proactive care.