Cornish dad's appeal after being diagnosed with bowel cancer
41-year-old Craig Lenton has had to have surgery to remove half his bowel
Last updated 1st Aug 2022
A man from Redruth, who found out he had bowel cancer in his early 40s, is urging others to get symptoms checked.
Following an early diagnosis and to avoid further complications, Craig Lenton had intensive surgery to remove half his bowel.
Now wife Erica has told us that tests following the procedure have shown that he has Stage 3 cancer and will need chemotherapy.
She said: "After he started to investigate it with the doctor, he then started to feel cold and a bit tired. He is a very active, full on, involved with our children daddy. We didn't really take much notice of that.
"They found microscopic blood so then he had to have investigations".
Erica added: "It's just so shocking and unbelievable how he's young and healthy and fit and well. Obviously cancer, it's not picky. It'll get anyone".
Because of Craig's condition and following the death of Dame Deborah James, Erica is urging others to get checked.
Speaking about the surgery, Erica said: "A lot of complications might've happened, he might've had a bag, he might've had internal bleeding - all of the risks that they have to tell you. He was in surgery for about four hours and was in recovery for even longer.
"It was so scary, because of Covid you can't really stay in hospital like that. It was a very intense day; I'll never forget that date".
She continued: "The surgeon and all the consultants thanked him for coming in and acting fast. It was around March/April time he had the first pains and it felt not quite right.
"He didn't lose any weight, there was no visible blood in his stools and it's just surprising how it's what you'd think were normal signs.
"It's a lot of hassle and this last couple of months have been hell but imagine what it would've been like if we hadn't checked. Your life does come first, don't put it to once side and think it's nothing because it might not be nothing".
What are the signs of bowel cancer?
According to Bowel Cancer UK, the main symptoms of bowel cancer are:
Bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your poo
A persistent and unexplained change in bowel habit
Unexplained weight loss
Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason
A pain or lump in your tummy
To find out more about where you can go for support, you can visit their website.