At 9.25am on Thursday 29th March 2007 my wonderful son, Oliver, died in my arms. He was just 28 years old and as a young doctor himself, was at the beginning of a fabulous career.

Oliver had been experiencing stomach pains for two years. When he finally went to see his doctor he was told that the pains were symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Despite not being tested for anything more threatening, it seemed a reasonable explanation. He worked long, stressful hours, often without proper meal breaks. With changes to his lifestyle and diet, his symptoms should improve.

“Oliver knew he had two choices”

At that point Oliver knew he had two choices; and a 50 per cent chance of making the wrong choice. He could either accept his diagnosis or he could seek a specialist opinion. Unfortunately, as a doctor himself, he didn’t want to go against another doctor’s judgement. He was also the type of person who didn’t like to make a fuss. For these reasons he chose to accept that the pains were simply symptoms of IBS.

In 2005 however we received devastating news. Oliver had just 13 months to live. His ‘IBS’ was actually bowel cancer - which had spread to his liver and lungs. Despite undergoing chemotherapy treatment, Oliver became very ill. The cancer had not been diagnosed early enough; the damage had been done. All I could do was watch, helplessly, as my vibrant, intelligent son deteriorated before my eyes.

“His ‘IBS’ was actually bowel cancer”

I can’t bring Oliver back or change the past. But I want to urge others who are worried about their IBS-like symptoms to consult Nucleus Healthcare, a unit specialising in gastroenterology. You don’t need a referral from your doctor and you don’t have to be insured. Nucleus Healthcare is also recognised by all major health insurance companies. If Oliver’s stomach pains had been correctly investigated, he would have received the treatment he needed. He would probably still be alive today.