When 47-year-old Susan Schmidt from Brisbane began feeling “strange” fatigue and constipation, she never imagined these subtle signs pointed to stage 4 bowel cancer. Diagnosed in 2023, she’s now speaking out to raise awareness about early detection and break the stigma surrounding bowel health.

“The diagnosis is incurable,” she told the Daily Mail. “The goal now is to stay well for as long as I can.” She believes many people delay seeking help because “I didn’t talk about my bowel habits — who does? That’s part of the problem with bowel cancer.”

Susan’s first warning sign was extreme fatigue. “I’d drive my daughter 15 minutes to rowing, then have to stop and nap for 40 minutes,” she said. Later, during a trip to France, she blamed constipation on “too much cheese and rich food.”

When the pain became unbearable, she was rushed for a colonoscopy — revealing a tumor that had spread to her uterus, lymph nodes, and lung.

Now, through her Floozie Foundation, Susan supports cancer patients and urges others: “Push for answers if something feels off… listen to your instincts.” Her story is a moving reminder that early testing — and open conversations — can save lives.