Dad, 36, Reveals the Common Mistake That Delayed His Serious Cancer Diagnosis — and the Symptom He Initially Ignored

“Dad, 36, Reveals Common Mistake That Delayed His Serious Cancer Diagnosis”

A 36-year-old father recently shared an eye-opening story of a common mistake that led to a delay in his cancer diagnosis. Matthew Duggan, a husband and father from Tasmania, Australia, initially mistook his symptoms for food poisoning. Little did he know that what he thought was a passing stomach issue turned out to be something much more serious.

In February 2024, Duggan started experiencing changes in his bowel habits, including diarrhea. Believing it would resolve on its own, he ignored the symptoms for about a month. However, when the discomfort persisted and he noticed blood in his stool, he decided to seek medical help. Despite initial reassurances from his doctor that it was nothing serious, further investigations revealed a shocking discovery – a 4-inch cancerous tumor in his bowels.

The news of his cancer diagnosis came as a complete surprise to Duggan, who never expected to face such a battle at his age. Following the diagnosis, he underwent surgery in May 2024 to remove the tumor, followed by six months of chemotherapy. The chemotherapy treatment, in particular, proved to be extremely challenging for Duggan due to the neuropathy pain it caused in his lower extremities.

Amidst the physical and emotional turmoil of his cancer journey, Duggan made the difficult decision to keep his diagnosis a secret from many people in his life, including his young daughter. He and his wife shielded their daughter from the harsh realities of the illness, opting instead to focus on the positive aspects of their community’s support and fundraising efforts.

Despite his desire to maintain a sense of normalcy, Duggan eventually found solace in joining cancer support groups, where he realised he was not alone in his struggles. Reflecting on his experience, he emphasised the importance of listening to one’s body and seeking medical attention promptly when something feels amiss, regardless of age.

In a bid to raise awareness about bowel cancer, especially among young people, Duggan took on a remarkable challenge of running over 300 miles in a fundraising event called “Do It For Cancer.” He aimed to educate others about the symptoms of bowel cancer and the significance of early detection in combating the disease.

Duggan’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of advocating for one’s health and not dismissing potential warning signs. As rates of colorectal cancer among young individuals continue to rise, his journey underscores the critical need for vigilance and proactive healthcare measures, regardless of age.

In the face of adversity, Duggan’s determination, resilience, and commitment to raising awareness about bowel cancer stand as a testament to the power of courage and community support in overcoming life’s toughest challenges.