A brave mother's fight for change: The devastating reality of emergency cancer diagnoses.
Sana Shaikh, a 32-year-old mother of two, is on a mission to prevent others from facing the same lonely and shocking experience she had. She was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer, a life-altering moment that should have been shared with her loved ones, but instead, she stood alone.
But here's where it gets controversial... Sana's story highlights a critical issue: one in four bowel cancer patients receive their diagnosis in emergency rooms, often indicating a more advanced stage of the disease.
Sana, originally from Hertfordshire, now resides in Great Glen, Leicestershire. At 29, her world turned upside down when she learned of her cancer at Watford General Hospital's A&E department. Her family, including her mother about to fly to India, her father who had just left, her sister who had recently given birth, and her husband at home with their children, were all absent.
"I was devastated and alone," Sana recalls. "I had two young children, one whom I was still breastfeeding. Being admitted overnight without them was heart-wrenching. I wish I had someone by my side."
Sana's journey began with fatigue and low energy, symptoms she discussed with her GP. However, without other typical bowel cancer indicators, her path to diagnosis was uncertain.
"I grew anxious waiting for test results and worried about a growing lump. Calling 111 led me to urgent care, and from there, to A&E, where my cancer was finally detected."
After a three-month chemotherapy course, Sana awaited news on whether surgery could remove the tumor. Her family's move to the East Midlands brought her closer to her sister, Sumiyyah Ibrahim, who became her pillar of support.
Sumiyyah shares, "Learning of her diagnosis broke me. She is my everything, and I wanted to be there for her in every way possible."
On Thursday, the sisters will travel to London, where Sana will address a parliamentary reception organized by Bowel Cancer UK, focusing on emergency bowel cancer diagnoses.
And this is the part most people miss... The campaign aims to reduce emergency diagnoses by raising awareness among clinicians and the public about bowel cancer symptoms. Bowel Cancer UK's report emphasizes the need for early recognition, swift referrals, and inclusive screening.
Sana believes in the importance of face-to-face GP appointments, stating, "If I had seen a GP in person, they might have felt the tumor and acted sooner. It's about survival rates; those diagnosed in A&E often face later, more advanced stages."
Sana has recently completed immunotherapy and awaits scan results. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the need for change.
What are your thoughts on Sana's experience and the campaign's goals? Share your insights in the comments!
