Low Iron Flagged at Blood Donation Led to Cancer Diagnosis

A routine blood donation attempt in April 2025 became a life-saving turning point for 39-year-old Laura Jackson, a mother of two from Southampton. Her donation was rejected due to unusually low iron levels, prompting her GP to investigate further.

Despite experiencing only mild tiredness, which she attributed to her demanding role as a working mother, Jackson underwent two positive FIT tests. These results led to a colonoscopy and gastroscopy in May 2025, where a 5cm tumor was discovered in her large intestine.

Initially diagnosed as stage two, her condition was reclassified to stage three after biopsies revealed deposits in her veins, indicating potential spread. This necessitated a significant surgery in July 2025 to remove a third of her bowel.

Following her surgery, Jackson underwent a 12-week course of chemotherapy from August 2025 to combat any remaining cancer cells. She has since achieved no evidence of disease and will be monitored for five years.

Jackson now advocates for bowel cancer awareness, particularly highlighting the effectiveness of FIT tests, which she believes were instrumental in her early diagnosis and survival. She shares her story to encourage others to listen to their bodies and seek medical attention.