“Don’t be embarrassed — get help before it’s too late”: Co Antrim woman shares bowel cancer story

Co Antrim woman Aisling Gallagher shares her personal story of bowel cancer

A County Antrim woman has shared her deeply personal experience of bowel cancer in the hope it encourages others to seek help early and potentially save lives.

As April marks Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, the Northern Health and Social Care Trust has teamed up with social media influencer Aisling Gallagher from Crumlin to raise awareness of the symptoms people should never ignore and the importance of routine screening.

For Aisling, now 33, the message is simple and urgent: don’t dismiss changes in your body, no matter how uncomfortable it may feel to talk about them.

Diagnosed in 2020, she is now using her platform and her story to help break down the stigma around discussing bowel health — a conversation that could make all the difference.

A warning from lived experience

Aisling said her first sign that something was wrong was a change in her toilet habits.

Until then, she had always considered herself fit and healthy, with little reason to think anything serious could be wrong.

Looking back, she says the experience changed her perspective entirely.

“I was always super healthy and didn’t have any issues and never needed to go to the doctor for very much.

“But after I was diagnosed, I realised it can happen to anyone, regardless of their age or lifestyle, so it is super important if you notice anything different or unusual to seek help,” she said.

Her story carries a powerful message for readers across Ballymena and the wider Northern Ireland community: bowel cancer does not always fit the stereotype of age or lifestyle.

It can affect anyone.

Symptoms people should not ignore

Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, remains one of the most common cancers in Northern Ireland.

However, when it is detected early, treatment is significantly more likely to be successful.

Northern Trust Colorectal Clinical Nurse Specialist Sarah Lowry said there are several symptoms people should be aware of.

“The main things to look out for are a persistent change in your bowel habits, like looser stools, going more often, or constipation that doesn’t settle, as well as any bleeding from your bottom or blood in your poo, whether it be bright red or darker in colour.

“Ongoing tummy pain, unexplained weight loss, or feeling more tired than usual can also be signs. If you notice any of these symptoms, please speak to your GP.”

Aisling acknowledged that these symptoms can feel difficult or even embarrassing to discuss, but said that should never stop someone from asking for help.

“Symptoms can feel embarrassing and a little taboo, but it really doesn’t matter because you would much rather get the help that you need before it’s too late, because early detection is key with bowel cancer.”

The importance of screening

The Northern Ireland Bowel Cancer Screening Programme offers screening every two years to people aged 60 to 74 who are registered with a GP.

Those eligible automatically receive an invitation and an at-home testing kit through the post, allowing them to complete the test privately using a stool sample.

Sarah added: “Screening is for people without symptoms and it is one of the best tools we have to detect bowel cancer early, which is so important as early detection really does save lives.”

Health professionals are encouraging anyone in the eligible age group to take up the screening offer when it arrives.

For many, it could be the first sign of a problem before symptoms even appear.

Support and further information

Anyone concerned about symptoms or changes in their body is urged to contact their GP as soon as possible for advice, reassurance and referral if required.

Further information on bowel cancer is available via

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At a glance

• County Antrim influencer Aisling Gallagher has shared her bowel cancer journey

• The campaign supports Bowel Cancer Awareness Month in April

• Aisling, from Crumlin, was diagnosed in 2020 at the age of 27

• Her first symptom was a change in bowel habits

• The Northern Trust is urging people to know the signs

• Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes

• Screening kits are automatically sent to eligible people aged 60 to 74

• Anyone with symptoms is urged to contact their GP promptly