Susan Schmidt, a 45-year-old mother of two, was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer in September 2023. At first, she brushed off signs like persistent fatigue, constipation, and sharp abdominal pain, attributing them to early menopause and indulging in rich vacation meals.
A former physiotherapist, Susan never imagined she could have bowel cancer and felt that conversations about bowel habits were often overlooked—a sentiment she now sees as widespread. After initially being dismissed by doctors, her diagnosis came too late for a potential cure.
Today, Susan is sharing her story to encourage others to pay attention to early warning signs, regardless of test results or how insignificant symptoms might seem. She has also started The Floozie Foundation to support Australian nurses and patients dealing with colon cancer, hoping to raise awareness and save lives.
