Geelong dad’s bowel cancer test push after shock diagnosis

While inquiring about vaccinations for a Bali trip, Tom Boland happened to ask for a bowel cancer test. What came next stunned the Geelong West dad.

PLANNING a trip to Bali may have saved Geelong West dad Tom Boland’s life.

On March 1 the father-of-three visited his doctor to inquire about any vaccinations he may need before travelling.

While there, he asked about a bowel cancer test, as while he did not have any symptoms, two of his cousins had the disease.

Within three weeks, he had tests completed and received a call from his GP to come in for an urgent appointment.

Mr Boland was told he had tested positive on a faecal occult blood test – a simple test that looks for the early signs of bowel cancer.

The 40-year-old was referred to a gastroenterologist and booked in for a colonoscopy.

On April 6, Mr Boland underwent a colonoscopy which uncovered a 5cm tumour and some polyps.

According to Bowel Cancer Australia, polyps, which are growths, are usually harmless; however, adenomatous polyps can become cancerous and if left undetected, can develop over time into a cancerous tumour.

Tom Boland wife Janet kids 10 year old twins Hamish and Will and daughter Saskia 6 and dog Max Picture: Mark Wilson

On April 26 – the day after Mr Boland was meant to have flown Bali – he underwent surgery to remove polyps and the tumour.

Pathology results confirmed the tumour was stage one cancer and with his lymph nodes given the all clear, Mr Boland was declared cancer free.

Mr Boland, who spent 12 nights at St John of God Geelong Hospital after his operation, was told he had dodged a bullet by doctors.

While he may not have made it to Bali as planned, Mr Boland will be forever grateful for that fateful trip to the doctor.

Mr Boland urged people to get tested.

“Don’t take it for granted just that you don’t have symptoms,” he said.

“That’s the scary part – I would have had no idea.

“I expected to get a negative result … it was just such a shock.

“You gain a perspective of what’s important and what’s not.”

June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month – Bowel Cancer Australia’s signature event to raise awareness of Australia’s second deadliest cancer.

Bowel cancer claims the lives of 101 Australians every week – but it’s one of the most treatable types of cancer if found early, according to Bowel Cancer Australia.

Symptoms can include changes in bowel habits or appearance of bowel movements, blood in stools, and abdominal pain, bloating or cramping.

Eligible Australians from 50 to 74 years of age are sent a free test that is done at home every two years as part of a national screening program.

Originally published as Geelong dad’s bowel cancer test push after shock diagnosis