JULIE Toner has credited a routine test with saving her life.
The Hoppers Crossing resident had just celebrated her 40th birthday in August last year when she was diagnosed with bowel cancer following a routine colonoscopy.
Ms Toner had booked in for a check-up when she learnt this particular cancer ran in her family.
“While researching my family history, I found out my grandfather, aunty and uncle had suffered from bowel cancer so I had a colonoscopy.
“When I found out I had stage three bowel cancer I was shocked. I didn’t know what to think. I never thought this would happen to me.”
Just weeks after the diagnosis, Ms Toner had surgery to remove her bowel.
She has now begun six months of chemotherapy.
“The cancer changed my whole outlook on life and my appreciation of things,” she says.
“I am trying to spend more quality time with my kids. They know mum isn’t well and they have been very supportive.”
Ms Toner has urged people to find out if they have a family history and to get regular colonoscopies so cancer is caught early.
“By the time I found out it was stage three, which is quite advanced.
“Bowel and breast cancers are hereditary so people need to know if they have a family history of them.
“I am only 40 and I’m very young to have bowel cancer.”
On Friday, Ms Toner will host a bogan bingo and auction night at Tarneit Community Centre to raise money for Bowel Screen Australia.
She is hoping to raise $2000.
Her dad has promised that he will get his first tattoo – of Bowel Screen Australia’s apple symbol – if she reaches her fund-raising target.
Ms Toner said Bowel Screen Australia has provided her with advice and has referred her to a family clinic which will be able to determine the odds of her children getting bowel cancer.
“I want to raise funds for research into a cure. I am passionate about things I believe in,” Ms Toner said.
“I want my children to have a future and for them to have a mother who is around to see it.”
Details: 0402 037 201. Bowel Cancer Australia: bowelcanceraustralia.org
