“I want to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment in Yorkshire so my grandchildren don’t have to go through what I did” – Tracey’s experience

Tracey Davison-Franks from Harrogate was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer before the NHS extended its screening programme to include people her age.  

Now, she’s working closely with Yorkshire Cancer Research to raise awareness of the importance of screening and the benefits of exercise during treatment - sharing her experience to help others and shape future research funded by the charity.

Tracey had a lot to look forward to in August 2022, with her daughter’s wedding on the horizon and a family holiday just around the corner. But everything changed when she received the devastating news she had cancer.

Despite experiencing more tummy aches than her irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) usually caused, she put it down to her packed schedule.  

However, after noticing blood in her stool, she soon realised there might be a bigger problem. She got in touch with her GP, and after a rush of appointments and scans, she was diagnosed with bowel cancer in September 2022. 

In 2019, a new, more accurate bowel cancer screening test was introduced for people aged 60 to 74. In January 2025, this was extended to people aged 50 and over. The roll-out has been gradual over a number of years but people over 50 will now receive testing kits following their next birthday. Tracey was 53 when she was diagnosed but this was before bowel screening was available for people her age.  

If the screening programme had been expanded sooner, Tracey would have received an at-home bowel screening test kit in the post. The test is designed to help prevent cancer and find it at the earliest possible opportunity when there are more treatment options available.  

She said: “I was stunned when I found out I had cancer. I weighed a healthy amount, and I had never been a smoker nor a frequent drinker. I have always been very aware of my gastrointestinal health due to my IBS, but that was also exactly the reason I downplayed my symptoms. 

Tracey’s diagnosis came just six months after she had given up full-time work to look after her grandson, William, one day a week.  

She said: “The impact of my treatment meant that I couldn’t pick William up and play with him anymore, it was heartbreaking and disappointing. I was determined to get better to see him grow up.

“The side effects from chemotherapy were horrible and impacted me quickly. I was so cold that I couldn’t even take milk out the fridge. Luckily the chemotherapy was so successful in shrinking my tumour that it took the surgeons two hours to find and remove it.”  

After her bowel surgery, Tracey’s scans showed that the cancer had spread to her liver and lungs. Tracey then had a second operation to remove her gall bladder and a third of her liver. Between April 2024 and February 2025, Tracey had four additional lung surgeries to remove her tumours.  

She found that by exercising regularly, she was able to cope better with her demanding treatment schedule, both physically and mentally. 

“Even though I lost about 20% of my lung capacity, I feel stronger than before because of staying active. I’m thrilled that I had the strength to be able to keep up with my grandchildren when I went on a family holiday with them recently!

“While exercise gives structure to my days, I also make sure to get up and ready every day to regain some control and normality in my life. I just wanted to look and feel like me again.”

Now, still living with cancer, Tracey volunteers on the Research Advisory Panel at Yorkshire Cancer Research so she can use her experience to help decide what research is funded.  

The panel includes people with cancer experience, researchers, and healthcare experts. Together, they assess applications for research to ensure Yorkshire Cancer Research is funding projects with the biggest impact for people with cancer in the region.

To Tracey, cancer research plays a crucial role in improving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Her own treatment – four rounds of chemotherapy before her first major surgery – was backed by research. It was based on studies that had proven giving chemotherapy before surgery can shrink the tumour, making the operation less complex, reducing post-surgical complications, and lowering the risk of the cancer returning. 

“Contributing my small part to cancer research is a step towards achieving a cancer-free Yorkshire – I wouldn’t want anyone, especially my grandchildren, to be in the same position as I am.”

Not only has Tracey been shining a light on cancer issues in the region, but she is also passionate about raising awareness of additional needs caused by cancer and takes every opportunity to help normalise having a stoma.

To allow Tracey’s bowel to heal after her surgery, doctors created an ‘ileostomy’, which is an opening in her abdomen connected to her small intestine. A type of stoma, the ileostomy allows waste to be collected in a pouch worn on the outside Tracey’s body.  

“I was initially upset about having a stoma. But over time, I’ve accepted it. I gave it the name ‘Polly’ to help take ownership of it and bring some humour to the situation, especially for my grandson. I think it’s important I talk to William about it, so he is considerate and respectful to people with different needs.”  

Tracey is calling for stoma-friendly toilets to be widely accessible, with shelving to hold stoma items and a mirror to provide more visibility when changing or emptying the bag.  

At 56 years old, Tracey is now a grandmother of three. As she recovers from her treatment, she finds enjoyment in gardening in her allotment, taking care of the grandchildren and spending time with her family. With her son’s wedding coming up in October and another grandchild on the way, she looks forward to sharing more precious moments with her loved ones.