A WOMAN with bowel cancer is urging others to ‘be persistent’ when seeing a GP about symptoms.

Ruth Maher, 62, of Eton Wick, was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2011 after a colonoscopy at the age of 51.

But in 2016 it had returned, and Ruth went through four different GPs before they got her tested to confirm it was bowel cancer.

The former Heathrow employee is now encouraging individuals to “be persistent" if they notice the symptons.

"Don’t take the first no as an answer," Ruth said.

“Even if you think it’s nothing, keep an eye on your weight, because that is a sign, and you shouldn’t be losing weight for no reason.

“Don’t take the first doctor’s opinion either and just keep going until you are happy you’re being treated correctly.”

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Ruth said she’s in a stable condition now and has to use a colostomy bag for the rest of her life.

Slough Observer:

She said after overcoming some “scary issues” at the beginning with the bag she is now more aware of it.

Ruth added: “It’s good to be here to enjoy my life with my grandchildren too as both were born after my cancer started in 2011.

“I am very grateful to my surgeon and the lovely staff at Wexham Park for saving my life twice enabling me to enjoy the past 10 years with both my grandchildren."

She explained the bag doesn't stop her doing anything she wants to do.

“I walk about five miles a day with my dog and I can still enjoy life," she said.

"It’s scary at the time but they fix you up and you can live life again.”

Almost 43,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year in the UK, according to Bowel Cancer UK.

And more awareness has been raised of the illness thanks to Dame Deborah James, who died at the age of 40 after battling stage four bowel cancer.

Ruth said Dame Deborah was an "inspiration" to others who were also going through the same situation.

Dame Deborah raised £7 million for Cancer Research through her Bowel Babe Fund.

Her last words to the public included a message for people to “check your poo – it could just save your life”. 

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Genevieve Edwards, chief executive of Bowel Cancer UK, said: "Symptoms can include bleeding from your bottom or blood in your poo; a persistent and unexplained change in bowel habit; unexplained weight loss; extreme tiredness for no obvious reason; and a pain or lump in your tummy.  

“Most people with these symptoms don’t have bowel cancer, and other health problems can cause similar symptoms.

“So if you do have one or more of these, or if things just don’t feel right, trust your gut and see your GP.”