Cancer ghosting: ‘People don’t talk about it because it’s embarrassing to admit that people just run away from you – but it’s very common’

Clodagh Downing was experiencing symptoms for at least two years before her diagnosis of colorectal cancer, including recurring infections, an allergy to dairy, irregular bowel movements and bloating. Her blood tests were clear but when she developed fatigue and anaemia, a Google search suggested bowel cancer. In January 2021, she asked her GP for a colonoscopy. But at 48, her doctor told her she was too young.