Bowel Cancer Journey: Early Detection and Immunotherapy Save Young Mother
Guest Contributor
When Zara McCormick, a 36-year-old mother from Gee Cross in Tameside, England, began experiencing fatigue and breathlessness, she attributed the symptoms to lingering effects of pregnancy. It wasn’t until the week of her son’s first birthday that she received a diagnosis that would change her life: stage 3c bowel cancer. What followed was a remarkable medical journey that highlights the importance of awareness, early testing, and the evolving role of clinical trials in cancer treatment.
The symptoms McCormick experienced — anemia-related fatigue and shortness of breath — are not uncommon in new mothers. However, when these persisted well after her son Lewis was born, she sought medical advice. A series of tests at her local hospital revealed the presence of bowel cancer with an MSI-H mutation, a genetic marker that affects how cells repair themselves during division. According to The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester, where McCormick was treated, approximately 10 to 15 percent of people with bowel cancer have this mutation. It is known for responding well to immunotherapy, a treatment that helps the body’s immune system recognize and fight cancer cells.
I found this detail striking: McCormick did not experience any of the more commonly recognized signs of bowel cancer, such as blood in the stool. This underscores how easily serious conditions can be mistaken for more benign issues, especially in the physically demanding months following childbirth. Her case serves as a reminder that persistent symptoms should never be dismissed without proper investigation.
After her diagnosis, McCormick was referred to The Christie hospital to learn about the NEOPRISM trial, a U.K.-based clinical study evaluating the effectiveness of the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab when administered before surgery. The trial, supported by the National Institutes of Health, aims to determine whether this approach can improve the likelihood of completely removing tumors and prevent recurrence.
McCormick began treatment in June 2023, undergoing three cycles of pembrolizumab. A follow-up scan revealed that the tumors in her bowel and lymph nodes had significantly shrunk. In September, she underwent surgery to remove part of her bowel. The subsequent biopsy showed no active cancer cells, only scar tissue — a complete response to the treatment. As of now, she remains cancer-free and continues to be monitored with biannual scans and annual colonoscopies.
In an email to PEOPLE, a hospital spokesperson emphasized that McCormick’s participation in the clinical trial was her first line of treatment, challenging the common misconception that trials are only for patients with limited options. McCormick herself expressed gratitude for the thorough support she received from the medical team. She noted that they took the time to explain why traditional chemotherapy might not be effective for her specific cancer type and helped her make an informed decision about joining the trial.
Though the treatment was successful, McCormick shared that it left her feeling fatigued — a lingering effect she is now working to overcome. She has returned to her job as a project manager and is focused on regaining her fitness so she can keep up with her energetic young son. Looking ahead, she’s excited about everyday milestones: celebrating her 10th wedding anniversary, watching Lewis start school, and supporting others through bowel cancer support groups.
McCormick’s story is a powerful example of how early detection, personalized medicine, and access to clinical trials can dramatically alter the course of a serious illness. It also highlights the importance of listening to one’s body and seeking medical advice when symptoms persist, even if they seem minor or easily explained.
For those navigating similar health concerns, her experience offers hope and a reminder that innovative treatments are increasingly available — sometimes even as a first-line option. With continued advancements in immunotherapy and genetic research, the future of cancer care is becoming more precise and more personalized.
