A 31-year-old UK father of three is urging others not to ignore the early signs of colon cancer after his own harrowing experience with the disease. Chris Kirt, a software developer from the West Midlands, began noticing subtle but persistent symptoms in August 2024—symptoms he admits he ignored for far too long.
“I started having stomach cramps and changes in my bowel habits,” said Chris. “I chalked it up to stress, diet, or just a bug that would pass.”
But the symptoms didn’t go away. Instead, they worsened gradually, something Chris says he now deeply regrets ignoring. The turning point came when he noticed blood in his stool, a classic but often dismissed sign of colorectal cancer.
“The biggest red flag for me was passing blood—with zero pain,” Chris shared in a viral TikTok video that’s reached over 1 million views. “That scared me more than anything. I knew something wasn’t right.”
Colon Cancer Often Presents with Subtle Signs
Colorectal cancer—often referred to as colon or bowel cancer—is the fourth most common cancer in the UK and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Alarmingly, cases are rising among younger adults, particularly those under 40. While historically considered a disease of older individuals, recent trends are challenging that assumption.
Experts emphasize that early detection is key, yet many patients delay seeking medical advice due to the vague or embarrassing nature of symptoms.
Common signs of colon cancer include:
- Persistent changes in bowel habits (diarrhoea or constipation)
- Stomach pain, cramps, or bloating
- Blood in the stool (with or without pain)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue or weakness
- Feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
Chris’s story is a stark reminder of how easy it is to ignore the signs—until it’s nearly too late.
Sharing His Story to Save Lives
Chris decided to share his experience publicly in the hopes of raising awareness and encouraging others—especially young men—to pay closer attention to their health. He’s been documenting his journey on TikTok and Instagram, where he’s garnered support from thousands of followers.
“If my story gets even one person to go to the doctor early, then it’s worth it,” he said.
Men, in particular, are less likely to seek medical advice for issues they consider minor or embarrassing. Chris hopes that breaking the stigma around digestive health and normalising these conversations can make a difference.
Diagnosis and What’s Next
Following a colonoscopy and further testing, Chris was officially diagnosed with stage II colon cancer in late 2024. He has since undergone surgery to remove the tumour and is currently receiving chemotherapy as a precautionary measure.
“It’s been a rollercoaster,” he admits. “But I’m lucky we caught it before it spread.”
Chris is now working with UK cancer charities to promote early screening and advocate for lowering the age threshold for routine colonoscopy screenings.
When to See a Doctor
Healthcare professionals recommend seeking medical attention if you notice any unusual changes in your digestive health lasting more than a few weeks. In many cases, these symptoms may not point to cancer—but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Final Thoughts
Colon cancer is treatable—and often curable—when detected early. Chris Kirt’s story is a powerful reminder that your body often gives you warning signs. The key is not to ignore them.
“Listen to your gut,” Chris says. “Literally. It could save your life.”
