“I Thought It Was Nothing”: Three Colorectal Cancer Survivors Share Why Early Screening Matters

For many people, symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, stomach discomfort, unexplained weight loss or occasional bleeding can be easy to dismiss.

Some assume it is simply part of getting older. Others attribute it to stress, diet or temporary digestive issues. Many choose to wait and see if the symptoms improve on their own.

For Viji Somaskanthan, 66, a retired lawyer from Kuala Lumpur; Jon Yehsi, 45, a professional photographer from Kota Kinabalu; and Pn Maimun, a retired nurse from Kelantan, these seemingly minor changes eventually became life-changing diagnoses.

While each of their journeys was different, they share one common message: do not ignore persistent symptoms and do not delay screening.

The Signs Were There, But They Did Not Seem Serious

Looking back, all three survivors recall experiencing symptoms that, at the time, did not seem serious enough to raise alarm.

For Viji, who now spends her retirement reading, gardening and learning new recipes, the changes appeared gradually. She experienced unexplained weight loss and found herself making frequent trips to the toilet shortly after meals.

“I did not recognise them as clear signs of colorectal cancer,” she said.

Jon’s symptoms also came and went. He experienced bowel movement issues and occasional bleeding, but assumed it was something minor.

“Whenever I went to a regular clinic, the doctor thought it might be haemorrhoids. The medication would help for a while, and the symptoms would stop temporarily,” he recalled.

For Pn Maimun, a retired nurse from Kelantan, the symptoms were similarly easy to dismiss at first. She experienced stomach discomfort, bloating and changes in her bowel habits before eventually seeking further medical attention. Having previously survived uterine and skin cancer, she recognised that something was not quite right and decided to consult a specialist.

For all three survivors, the symptoms persisted longer than expected. What initially seemed manageable eventually became impossible to ignore.

The Diagnosis They Never Expected

For Viji, the turning point came when she noticed blood in her stools and visited a general practitioner, who immediately referred her to a gastroenterologist.

A colonoscopy and endoscopy later revealed a tumour in her rectum.

For Jon, a husband and father of two who runs a photography studio in Kota Kinabalu, the diagnosis began with a routine blood test. When a nurse called to inform him that his cancer marker was elevated, he tried to remain calm while finishing a photography assignment.

Internally, however, fear had already begun to set in. “The moment I called my wife, I broke down in tears,” he shared.

For Pn Maimun, further investigations eventually confirmed colorectal cancer, adding another chapter to a health journey that had already included previous battles with uterine and skin cancer. Despite her previous experiences with cancer, the diagnosis was no less daunting.

Like many patients, all three found themselves confronting uncertainty, fear and questions about what lay ahead.

What They Would Do Differently

If given the opportunity to go back in time, all three survivors agree there is one thing they would approach differently: they would take screening and symptoms more seriously.

Viji said she would be far more proactive about early screening and health checks.

Jon echoed the sentiment. “Yes, I would definitely go for a full early screening,” he said.

For Pn Maimun, the experience reinforced the importance of paying close attention to changes in one’s body, particularly for individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer. Her father and brother were both diagnosed with colorectal cancer, while other family members had also faced cancer diagnoses over the years. Looking back, she hopes more people understand the importance of screening and early detection, especially when there is a strong family history.

Their reflections underscore a reality many healthcare professionals continue to emphasise: colorectal cancer is often highly treatable when detected early.

The Message They Hope Others Will Hear

Today, all three survivors are passionate about encouraging others to prioritise screening and seek medical advice when symptoms persist.

Viji’s message is simple. “Please do not wait. If you experience unusual symptoms, go for screening. If nothing is found, your mind will be at ease. If something is detected, it can be addressed quickly.”

Jon believes fear is one of the biggest barriers preventing people from getting checked. “Sometimes, the fear of knowing is actually worse than the reality itself. Early screening can save your life,” he said

For Pn Maimun, the lesson is equally clear. While a cancer diagnosis can be frightening, delaying action only increases the risk of complications later on. Her advice is to stay strong, seek help early and never lose hope.

Colorectal cancer often develops quietly, with symptoms that may not seem urgent at first. Yet as these three survivors discovered, recognising the signs and seeking medical attention early can make all the difference.

Taking the First Step Towards Screening

BIG CARING Group and the Colorectal Cancer Survivorship Society Malaysia (CORUM) have partnered to improve access to colorectal cancer screening for Malaysians aged 45 to 75.

Through selected CARiNG Pharmacy stores, eligible individuals can access subsidised iFOBT self-test kits, a simple, non-invasive screening test that can be completed at home.

For more information on participating outlets and screening eligibility, visit https://bigcaring.jp.larksuite.com/share/base/form/shrjpMlDefnbBpNlGPhkXVxWFwg.