Mother, 43, Reveals Night Sweats Were Early Sign of Bowel Cancer

A mother from Bromley in South East London, initially attributing her night sweats to perimenopause, later discovered they were an early indication of bowel cancer. Charlie O'Brien, 43, previously healthy, fell ill at the beginning of the year. Doctors diagnosed her with stage 3 bowel cancer in January 2025 after finding a large tumour on her colon. Despite a 'four in ten' chance of survival, she was determined to fight the disease.

Although she did not exhibit many typical symptoms, her tumor was already several years old, as bowel cancer can progress slowly. Following her diagnosis, she identified various signs she had overlooked, such as night sweats, aching on her left side, bloating, cramps, and constipation. She emphasized the importance of recognizing early signs and seeking medical advice promptly.

After sharing her experience on TikTok, where she highlighted the symptoms she did not experience, O'Brien received an outpouring of support. Her openness prompted others to undergo screenings or seek medical attention. Since her emergency surgery to remove the tumor, she has undergone multiple rounds of chemotherapy.

The rise in colon cancer cases among young people has puzzled experts, with diagnoses increasing by 80% globally over the past three decades. While older age groups traditionally face higher risks, the incidence rates have either stabilized or decreased. Experts have proposed various explanations for the surge in young cases, including childhood exposure to E. coli and accelerated aging due to lifestyle factors.

Factors like diet, exercise, chemicals in the environment, and consumption of ultra-processed foods have been linked to the rise in bowel cancer cases. Studies have also implicated seed oils, microplastics, and additives in packaged foods. The complex interplay of these factors underscores the need for further research and awareness.

According to the source: Daily Mail.