My doctors dismissed my symptoms — now I have Stage 4 cancer

A British father of two has been diagnosed with Stage 4 bowel cancer — nearly two years since he started seeking medical attention.

Richard Scott, 41, said he began observing blood in his stool and experiencing extreme exhaustion, which prompted him to visit a doctor in March 2021.

“As the months went on, my symptoms persisted, I trusted my [general practitioner’s] advice, and because they didn’t seem worried about my symptoms, I was reassured,” Scott told SWNS.

He said he was screened for inflammatory bowel disease, with tests showing high levels of calprotectin, which returned to normal upon further exams. Calprotectin is a potential biomarker for colorectal cancer.

He returned to the doctor in April 2022 with the same symptoms, as well as aches, pains and more frequent visits to the toilet.

Increased presence of calprotectins was once again identified.

Scott said he was finally referred to a gastroenterologist — and he was diagnosed in August 2022 with Stage 4 bowel cancer that had spread to his liver.

“The last few months following my diagnosis have been a real mix of emotions,” he admitted to SWNS.

“My treatment, particularly while trying to come to terms with my diagnosis and how the cancer was very advanced, has been difficult — not just physically, but also emotionally and financially.”

The charity worker recently underwent six months of chemotherapy and surgery to remove a tumor from his liver.

Scott believes he may have to undergo more surgery and get a collection bag for his waste.

As he recovers, Scott’s wife, Anny, is left performing a lot of tasks for him.

“I’m now reliant on Anny, and she’s had to drop hours at work to help look after me,” Scott explained.

“I face an uncertain future, but am determined to give everything I can to fight this disease and spend as much time possible with my family.”

The couple has two daughters, ages 6 and 10.

“We used to do everything as a family — go on holidays, trips, days out, but that’s all on hold at the minute because of my illness,” Scott noted.

“I’ve tried to remain as positive as I can, not only for myself and my recovery, but for Anny and the children.”

Scott said he also contacted a medical negligence lawyer to help him investigate why it took so long for him to be diagnosed with cancer.

He wants to help other people know the warning signs of bowel cancer.

“It’s vital that people don’t think they have to go through a cancer diagnosis alone, as help and support are available,” he concluded.