Bowel cancer warning signs as Manchester woman beats disease with first ever transplant

Manchester: A remarkable story is unfolding as Bianca Perea, a 32-year-old trainee lawyer, has beaten advanced bowel cancer. She underwent the UK’s first liver transplant for this condition and is now cancer-free.

Bianca’s journey began in November 2021 when she was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer. It was a tough pill to swallow, especially since she didn’t have many symptoms. Just some minor changes in her bowel habits and a bit of bloating were her only signs.

After seeing a cancer awareness ad on TV, she felt a nudge to get checked out. Following a series of tests, including a colonoscopy, she learned the shocking news. Despite the grim diagnosis, Bianca held onto hope and refused to give in.

She had a stoma fitted and started treatment at the Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Wigan. Over two years, she went through 37 rounds of targeted therapy and chemotherapy, which helped her get to a point where surgery was possible.

In May 2023, she had a bowel tumor removed, but scans later revealed liver tumors that couldn’t be operated on. Thankfully, her response to treatment was so good that doctors considered her for a liver transplant.

In February 2024, she was placed on the transplant list and soon found a matching donor. The operation at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust was a success, and within weeks, she was back to driving and walking her dogs.

Bianca expressed her gratitude, saying, “I’ve been given a second chance at life and I’m going to grab it with both hands.” She believes she’s truly cancer-free now, and her oncologist, Dr. Kalena Marti, is optimistic about her recovery.

As bowel cancer is on the rise among younger people, Bianca’s story serves as a crucial reminder to be aware of the symptoms. Changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, and unexplained weight loss are all signs to watch for. If something feels off, it’s always best to consult a doctor.