Sunshine Coast makeup artist Natalie Hunter warns young women of bowel cancer symptoms

A beautiful single mother and successful makeup artist has shared what she wished she knew about listening to her body and checking for cancer before it was nearly too late – saying it could happen to anyone at any age.

Natalie Hunter. Pictures - contributed.

A beautiful single mother and successful Sunshine Coast makeup artist has shared what she wishes she knew about listening to her body and checking for cancer before it was nearly too late – saying it could happen to anyone at any age.

Natalie Hunter, 43, of Palmview, had built herself a beautiful life with her two children and a successful makeup artist career spanning more than 20 years when she nearly lost everything.

She thrived as a TV, editorial, and bridal makeup artist, working with thousands of people and travelling to amazing destinations for work.

“My life was a dream,” she said.

Natalie Hunter. Picture – contributed.

Then suddenly in 2023 she started experiencing digestive issues and abdominal pain, but thought she just hadn’t been eating so well.

For months she saw doctor after doctor when the pain wouldn’t go away – but was always turned away told she was ‘too young’ for it to be bowel cancer.

On February 15 last year she was rushed to hospital and diagnosed with stage four aggressive metastatic bowel cancer.

The next day she had an emergency surgery to remove a large tumour that was obstructing her bowel.

The cancer had already spread to the surrounding lymph nodes, and two metastases were found on her liver.

What followed was intensive and extremely gruelling treatment.

In the year since her diagnosis Ms Hunter has undergone six life saving operations – never knowing when could be her last day.

Natalie Hunter in hospital. Picture – contributed.

“Today, I’m still in recovery mode. My body remains sore, weak and fatigued, and I’ve had to retire,” Ms Hunter said.

“Despite what I have been through, there is hope. The medical team successfully removed all the cancer, and I now face three monthly scans and tests over the next few years to ensure I stay cancer free.

Prior to her own cancer journey and nearly losing her life Ms Hunter said she didn’t even know what bowel cancer was.

“I had no idea about bowel cancer and what it was and what the symptoms were and because of that by the time I got help it was too late for me,” she said.

“If your doctor says you’re too young don’t listen to them. Don’t take that for an answer and keep pushing.

Natalie Hunter has warned young Aussies to listen to their bodies. Picture – contributed.

“Bowel cancer is on the rise and because it took me so long to get diagnosed it was already at stage four and terminal.

“I’m still only just out of the woods. It turned my entire life upside down.”

Despite a year of pain and anguish, Ms Hunter said she’s learnt some valuable lifelong lessons.

“You have to cherish every minute of your life,” she said.

“I’m lucky that I get this time with my family. I have a whole new lease on life and new outlook.

“I’ve learned to embrace everything because in the blink of an eye it could all be gone.

“My advice to others is simple: listen to your body. Don’t dismiss any symptoms, no matter how minor they may seem. See a doctor early.

“I want to use my experience to spread awareness about bowel cancer. If sharing my story helps even just one person catch this disease early, it will be worth it.”

You can support Ms Hunter here.

Originally published as Sunshine Coast makeup artist Natalie Hunter warns young women of bowel cancer symptoms