'I never thought cancer warnings were for me': Man, 48, on living with terminal bowel cancer

Michael Murphy was shocked to hear he had inoperable bowel cancer months after the initial symptoms presented - he thought his weight loss was due to a new health programme. Now living from scan to scan, he warns others not to put off seeing their doctor if they are concerned

Michael Murphy in East Cork: "Please do not wait. It may be nothing, but it may be something." Picture: Denis Minihane.

Michael Murphy began to experience stomach pains and bloating in April 2020. He didn’t go to his doctor for four months, despite having lost a stone in weight, as he attributed the symptoms to a new health and exercise regimen.

But in August 2020, he began to experience a change in the frequency of his bowel movements and felt unable to empty his bowel fully, so he went to see his GP.