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What Began as a Minor Digestive Problem Became a Life-Threatening Disease for 76-Year-Old Maria Paszkiewicz
What began as a minor digestive problem became a life-threatening disease for 76-year-old Maria Paszkiewicz from the UK. Initially, Maria's symptoms were mistaken for a food intolerance, and she was misdiagnosed, resulting in a tragic delay in identifying the actual cause: bowel cancer.
In a tragic twist of fate, Maria passed away just three days after she was informed that she had terminal cancer, leaving her family stunned and devastated.
Symptoms Brushed Off: “It Was Just a Food Intolerance.”
Maria initially visited her doctor and complained of a change in bowel habits and frequent toilet visits. Her symptoms were brushed off as a potential food intolerance—trouble digesting certain foods. No one suspected anything more serious, according to her daughter, Anne-Marie.
It was only when Anne-Marie insisted on further tests that doctors ordered blood work and finally diagnosed Maria with bowel cancer. By then, the cancer had already spread to her liver.
A Fleeting Moment of Optimism
Maria started chemotherapy shortly after her diagnosis and responded well at first. The family hoped the treatment would buy them time and perhaps improve her condition. However, after completing chemotherapy, the cancer returned with a vengeance, leaving doctors with no further options.
In April 2024, she was given a prognosis of 3 to 6 months. Sadly, she passed away just three days later, with her daughter holding her hand.
After that initial prognosis, we spent the next few days calculating how long three months was, and milestones were coming up, and what we could do as a family. But we didn't get to do any of that. It was a huge shock to the system.
Anne-Marie, Maria Paszkiewicz Daughter
Celebrating Her Legacy
To honour her mother, Anne-Marie has set up a JustGiving fundraising page to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, an organisation that supported their family during their darkest moments.
The Bigger Picture: Bowel Cancer in the UK
Bowel cancer is the second most fatal cancer in the UK, claiming approximately 17,000 lives annually. Shockingly, only 50 per cent of patients diagnosed survive for 10 years or more.
Even more alarming is the rise in cases among younger adults. Between 2007 and 2017, bowel cancer diagnoses in individuals under the age of 50 increased by 36 per cent. Experts link this trend to modern lifestyle factors such as processed food consumption, pollution, and microplastic exposure.
If current trends continue, the UK could see an additional 2,500 deaths annually from bowel cancer by 2040.
Know the Warning Signs of Bowel Cancer
Early detection of bowel cancer can save lives. Common symptoms include:
Continued changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhoea)
Blood in the stool
Abdominal pain or bloating
Unexpected weight loss
Fatigue
If you have any of these symptoms—especially if they persist—do not delay seeing your doctor.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Muhammad Faisal Arshad/MSM)
