In this powerful episode of The Lifestyle Prescription with Pharmacy Planet, host Rena Dipti Annobil sits down with Dr Anisha Patel — GP, bowel cancer survivor, and advocate for awareness through Doctors Get Cancer Too — to share an honest and deeply important conversation about early-onset bowel cancer.

Diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer at just 39, Dr Anisha opens up about the symptoms that were missed, the reality of being both a doctor and a patient, and the life-changing impact of a cancer diagnosis.

Together, Rena and Dr Anisha explore why bowel cancer rates are rising in people under 50, the role of diet, fibre, and ultra-processed foods, and why understanding your body — including what’s “normal” for you — could be life-saving.

This episode also sheds light on the emotional aftermath of cancer, including anxiety, PTSD, fear of recurrence, and the long-term side effects patients are often not warned about.

From breaking the taboo around bowel health to empowering women with knowledge about cancer screening and symptoms, this conversation is essential viewing for anyone wanting to take control of their health.

⚠️ Please note: there are some minor audio issues in parts of this episode — thank you for bearing with us.

• Dr Anisha Patel’s bowel cancer journey and diagnosis at 39
• Early symptoms of bowel cancer and why they’re often missed
• Why bowel cancer is increasing in younger people
• The impact of diet, fibre and ultra-processed foods
• Being a doctor and navigating cancer as a patient
• Mental health after cancer: anxiety, PTSD and fear of recurrence
• Long-term side effects of treatment
• Breaking the stigma around bowel health
• The BOWEL acronym and key symptoms to look out for
• Women’s health inequalities and under-researched conditions
• Cancer screening in the UK: what you need to know
• Lifestyle Prescription: why fibre matters more than you think

0:00 Introduction
0:17 Meet Dr Anisha Patel – GP & Cancer Survivor
2:10 Bowel Cancer Symptoms & Missed Signs
3:39 Stage 3 Rectal Cancer Diagnosis at 39
5:45 Risk Factors: Diet, Fibre & Lifestyle
6:24 Why Bowel Cancer Is Rising Under 50
7:33 Research: Bacteria & Ultra-Processed Foods
15:08 Being a Doctor and a Cancer Patient
17:28 Long-Term Side Effects of Treatment
18:44 Cancer & Mental Health
20:09 Fear of Recurrence
21:17 Life After Cancer: Diet & Self-Care
22:46 Dr Anisha’s Book
26:40 Know Your Normal: Bowel Health Awareness
27:24 The BOWEL Acronym Explained
28:44 Breaking the Taboo Around Bowel Health
34:05 Women’s Health Crisis
38:40 5 Gynaecological Cancers to Know
42:25 Cancer Screening in the UK
44:57 Bowel Cancer Screening Explained
46:06 Lifestyle Prescription: The Power of Fibre

👉 Dr Anisha Patel
🌐 https://dranisha.co.uk/
📸 https://www.instagram.com/doctorsgetcancertoo/

📸 https://www.instagram.com/renadannobil/
📸 https://www.instagram.com/sisterhoodofmummyimperfect/

🌐 https://www.pharmacyplanet.com/
📸 https://www.instagram.com/pharmacyplanetuk/
🎧 Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1xs0BApZk55bgrQz7PN7VW

#BowelCancer #CancerAwareness #WomensHealth
#GutHealth #Fibre #EarlyDetection
#LifestylePrescription #PharmacyPlanet #CancerSurvivor

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