When Mackay business owner Warren Jackson-Smith received his bowel cancer screening kit shortly after turning 50, he didn’t realise such a simple test would lead to a diagnosis that may have changed the course of his life.
As part of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, Warren completed the free screening kit in September 2025.
He said the process itself was straightforward and easy to do.
“It was a very simple test. The instructions were clear and easy to follow and being able to do it in the privacy of my own home made it much more comfortable,” Warren said.
When his results arrived, Warren admits he was already feeling anxious after receiving information relating to blood tests undertaken around the same time.
“The screening confirmed that there was an issue, so I went to see my GP who referred me for a colonoscopy,” he said.
Prior to testing, Warren had noticed some symptoms including unexplained weight loss and fatigue, but didn’t think any further of it.
Further investigations, including an endoscopy and colonoscopy, confirmed Warren had bowel cancer. He underwent surgery to remove a tumour from his colon in December, but further testing showed he had a rare and fast-growing neuroendocrine cancer and required chemotherapy.
“The journey was initially daunting. Being told you have cancer and that you need chemotherapy is scary in itself,” he said.
“There have been many ups and downs, but every doctor, nurse and healthcare worker I encountered was absolutely amazing and helped me get through it.”
Throughout treatment, Warren drew strength from his family, particularly his wife Angela, who had previously navigated her own breast cancer journey.
While treatment brought emotional and physical challenges, Warren said the impact on work and finances was one of the most difficult parts of his experience.
Now, during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, he wants others to understand that screening can make a difference.
“It is a critical test that every person should do as soon as they receive it,” Warren said.
“It’s not a scary test, but it is a necessary test that could save your life.”
Warren said open conversations about bowel cancer and regular reminders to complete screening could help more people detect problems earlier.
“It’s frightening to hear the word cancer, but there are good outcomes for people diagnosed early,” he said.
“Don’t be scared to take the test and don’t be afraid of receiving a positive result. There is help available and amazing people who will support you through the journey.”
His message is simple: complete the screening kit when it arrives in the mail.
For Warren, that small step led to early action, treatment and the opportunity for a better outcome and he hopes sharing his story encourages others to do the same.