Susan Schmidt, a 47-year-old mother of two from Australia, was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in September 2023 after overlooking what she thought were mild symptoms.
She had experienced extreme fatigue, constipation, and later severe abdominal pain, but no blood in her stool. She initially blamed menopause, diet, or food poisoning. Even early tests showed nothing abnormal. It wasn’t until a colonoscopy revealed a tumor that doctors confirmed advanced cancer, which had spread to her uterus, lymph nodes, and lung.
Now living with an incurable diagnosis, Susan is undergoing chemotherapy and focusing on staying well as long as possible.
She is speaking out to break the taboo around bowel health and urges others to seek answers if something feels wrong — even if initial tests are normal.
Since her diagnosis, she has founded The Floozie Foundation to support cancer patients and their families across Australia.
Her message is clear: listen to your body and don’t ignore subtle warning signs.