A Condition Often Detected Too Late
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, affects the large intestine or rectum. When identified early, treatment outcomes are often more favorable. However, the disease can progress without obvious warning signs, leading some people to delay seeking medical advice.
Susan has spoken openly about how social discomfort around discussing digestive health played a role in her delay. “It’s not something people usually talk about,” she explained in an interview. “That silence can make it harder to realize when symptoms need attention.”
Symptoms That Seemed Easy to Explain Away
In the months leading up to her diagnosis, Susan noticed several changes in her health. Persistent fatigue was one of the earliest signs. As a busy professional and parent, she initially attributed her exhaustion to lifestyle factors and hormonal changes.
Later, she experienced constipation and abdominal discomfort—symptoms she assumed were temporary and related to diet or travel. At the time, there were no clear indicators such as visible blood, which often prompts more immediate concern.
Eventually, Susan experienced severe abdominal pain that led her to seek urgent medical care. While initial tests did not immediately reveal the cause, further investigation was recommended after her symptoms persisted.
Diagnosis and Treatment
A colonoscopy later revealed a tumor, and follow-up imaging showed that the cancer had spread beyond the bowel. Susan was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer, meaning the disease had advanced to other areas of the body.
Treatment at this stage typically focuses on managing symptoms and slowing progression. Susan continues to receive care under medical supervision, while prioritizing time with her family and maintaining quality of life.
Turning Experience Into Advocacy
Since her diagnosis, Susan has become an advocate for greater awareness around bowel health. She emphasizes the importance of paying attention to ongoing or unusual symptoms and feeling comfortable discussing them with healthcare professionals.
Her message is not one of fear, but of attentiveness. She encourages people to trust their instincts and follow up when symptoms persist, even if initial tests appear normal.
Supporting Others Through The Floozie Foundation
Susan has also launched The Floozie Foundation, an organization that provides practical support to adult cancer patients and their families in Australia. The foundation focuses on comfort, resources, and emotional support for people navigating treatment and hospital stays.
Through this work, Susan hopes to make the experience of cancer care less isolating for others facing similar challenges.
A Focus on Family and Purpose
As a mother, Susan says her children remain a central source of motivation. Balancing treatment with everyday life is challenging, but she continues to approach each day with determination and purpose.
Her story highlights the importance of family support, self-advocacy, and compassion in managing serious illness.
A Broader Message
Susan’s experience serves as a reminder that ongoing health changes deserve attention and open discussion. While many symptoms can have harmless explanations, persistent issues are worth revisiting with medical professionals.
By sharing her journey, Susan hopes to encourage conversations that may help others seek care earlier and feel less alone.
Looking Ahead
Susan continues to focus on treatment, advocacy, and supporting others through her foundation. Her story has resonated with many people, helping to reduce stigma around bowel health and reinforcing the value of awareness and communication.
While every health journey is different, Susan’s experience underscores how listening to one’s body and seeking timely medical advice can make a meaningful difference.