In 2023, Susan Schmidt, a 47-year-old mother of two from Australia, was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer after months of subtle symptoms she initially ignored. Persistent fatigue, constipation, and abdominal pain were dismissed as menopause, stress, or diet—until a colonoscopy revealed advanced colorectal cancer that had spread to her uterus, lymph nodes, and lung.
Now living with an incurable diagnosis, Susan has become a powerful bowel cancer awareness advocate, urging people to speak openly about digestive health and seek early screening. She founded The Floozie Foundation to support adult cancer patients and families in Australian hospitals.
Susan’s story highlights critical warning signs of bowel cancer, the dangers of delayed diagnosis, and the life-saving importance of self-advocacy, early detection, and breaking health taboos.
