Trevor John Collins died needlessly aged 63 on 10 July 2008

In April 2006 we discovered that Trevor had bowel cancer. It had first been diagnosed as a touch of gastro enteritis in January 2006. Little did we know that a massive cancer was causing his bowel to obstruct. After the first wrong diagnosis, we were advised that he was possibly a coeliac i.e. developing a gluten allergy.

At GP level Trevor was misdiagnosed twice

It was not until April 2006, when he underwent emergency surgery, it was discovered that the cancer had already spread through the bowel wall and into the lymph nodes.

Trevor was a fastidious person who believed in and maintained regular private health checks. In 2003 and as late as September 2005 he had his usual extensive medical examinations, including a bowel cancer test. On both occasions these tests proved negative.

It looks for microscopic traces of blood in excrement. People are being lulled into a false sense of security by receiving a negative result.

These tests are better than nothing and we urge you to participate in this programme.

Diagnosing bowel cancer early

If bowel cancer – also known as colon or rectal cancer – can be detected early, surgery can be carried out without the need for subsequent chemotherapy, radiotherapy or the use of antiangiogenic drugs.

This could save lives and save valuable NHS resources in the long term.

The NHS is introducing flexible sigmoidoscopies as part of the national screening programme. This is a huge and fantastic step forward, but once again, it does not explore the entire colon and, consequently, would not have picked up Trevor’s cancer.

There are private hospitals offering virtual colonoscopies and colonoscopies. It may be worth considering this type of examination.

We offer information and assistance to anyone struggling with bowel cancer or the diagnostic process.