‘Alive and kicking’ thanks to cancer screening
WELL-known Tuam funeral director Joe Grogan says he’s “alive and kicking” thanks to being prompted to take part in the HSE’s free bowel cancer screening progamme.
Joe is encouraging people to take the test after his test detected he had bowel cancer. He was one of the first 59-year-olds to take part in BowelScreen after the age range was extended to include people aged 59, in October 2023.
“When I got the letter, I thought, ‘I don’t need this’, I felt good. Then I picked it up again and said what have I got to lose? I rang the freephone number and got the kit sent out to my home,” recalled Joe, who was tested in November 2023.
Joe admits that even when he received the home testing kit, he was a bit hesitant about going through with it.
“I read what I had to do and thought, I’ll leave that for a day … then I changed my mind and just got on with it. It’s five minutes of your life. Once the little sample is in the tube, that’s it. For what those five minutes have meant to me, I’d do it every day if I had to.”
Just before Christmas 2023 Joe got a call to say that something had shown up in his test and he was called for a colonoscopy early in the New Year.
“During the colonoscopy I could see a polyp on the screen. I thought they would just snip it out and off I’d go.”
However, a biopsy of the polyp confirmed that Joe had bowel cancer. “I was shocked. I couldn’t take it in. I had no symptoms, no signs and hadn’t been at all worried over Christmas about the colonoscopy coming up.”
Joe had follow-up tests and started a treatment plan, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy, followed by surgery in August 2024.
“There was very little discomfort after surgery. I just had to mind myself and follow the rules my doctor gave me. Here I am nearly eight months after the surgery, it was a blip. I will park that part of my life and move on with the rest.”
Joe is sharing his personal story as part of Bowel Cancer Awareness month in a bid to create greater awareness of bowel cancer among men and to encourage everyone eligible to be screened.
“I don’t want people to be afraid of getting screened for bowel cancer, it’s a first step. If it comes back negative, happy days. If there is an issue deal with it. Don’t let it go. People get nips and tucks all the time that are visible, this is taking care of things on the inside. Bowel cancer can be treatable, especially when it’s found early.”
BowelScreen invites eligible people to take part every two years using a simple FIT kit test sent to your home. The screening is now being offered to people aged between 59 and 70.
Hilary Coffey, BowelScreen Programme Manager, says: “Joe’s story reinforces the positive impact of choosing bowel screening.
“We know that 90 per cent of people in the age range who take one BowelScreen test will go on to complete future tests two years later when they’re invited, reducing their overall chance of developing bowel cancer. Anyone who is unsure of how to get a test or who wants information or guidance can contact us to find out more.”
Professor Padraic MacMathuna, Clinical Director of BowelScreen, says the screening can help detect any cancer at any early stage. “For the small number of people who, like Joe, have cancer found following screening, it is usually discovered at an earlier stage, before symptoms have started when treatment is less invasive and more likely to be successful.
“Bowel screening is an important part of your normal healthcare routine, but it won’t find all changes. Cancer can develop at any time. If you are experiencing symptoms, including changes in your bowel habits, unexplained weight loss or blood in your poo then you should see a GP, even if you have recently had screening or you’re due to take your next screening test. Don’t wait for screening, see your GP if you have symptoms.”