A mother, previously in good health, was shocked to discover that her abdominal discomfort and bloating were actually signs of a fatal illness. Cecilia Capolupo, aged 46, visited her doctor after experiencing bloating following a holiday in Devon where she and her children enjoyed local foods like pasties and fish and chips.
Initially, Cecilia was informed by her doctor that she may have had an infection. However, a colonoscopy conducted in September 2025 revealed that she was suffering from stage-four bowel cancer. The doctors informed her that she had an eight-centimeter tumor that had metastasized to her abdominal wall, liver, and lungs, giving her a life expectancy of two years.
Originally from Argentina, Cecilia currently resides in Clapham, London. She recalled, “I returned from vacation feeling bloated, experienced stomach cramps, and sought medical help. During a routine colonoscopy, I was given a devastating diagnosis on the same day.”
The previous year in August, Cecilia enjoyed a holiday in Devon with her husband Mark, 45, and their two sons, Máximo, six, and Rocco, four. Prior to the trip, the fitness enthusiast had felt healthy and had never considered undergoing stomach screenings.
Five days after experiencing bloating and stomach cramps, she noticed a small amount of blood in her stool. Following a medical consultation, she was initially reassured it was likely an infection. However, a “routine” colonoscopy at Lister Hospital on September 26 revealed otherwise. During the procedure, when her husband was called in from the waiting room, she sensed the severity of the situation.
Cecilia underwent chemotherapy every two weeks and additional treatments at home. After four rounds of chemotherapy, she described feeling like an elderly person experiencing the worst hangover.
Despite the grim prognosis of two years, Cecilia remains determined to fight the disease. She shared, “I’m not ready to give up. The doctors mentioned a two-year timeline, but I’m aiming for more. I plan to return to work and resume my Pilates classes.”
Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK, affecting one in 20 women and one in 15 men. While Australia starts bowel screening at age 45, individuals in England, Scotland, and Wales only receive testing kits from the age of 50.
Reflecting on her experience, Cecilia emphasized the importance of early detection, stating, “I delayed seeking help at the first symptom, and it turned out to be too late. If I had been screened at 45, my situation would be much better.”