South Australian family encourages bowel cancer screening after grandfather’s devastating diagnosis

Sowaibah Hanifie

7NEWS

2 Min Read

25 Jul 2024

Greg Hollinshed is a much-loved grandfather, recently diagnosed with bowel cancer. Credit: Supplied

Whyalla grandfather Greg Hollinshed, 45, and his family have been planning a family caravan trip to see loved ones in NSW in the October school holidays.

But the plans are now on hold after Hollinshed was diagnosed with stage-four bowel cancer.

His partner of 10 months, Ally Storr, said Hollinshed experienced severe stomach cramping for several days last month after a meal.

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A blood test revealed issues with his liver and gallbladder, so Hollinshed was booked in to get an ultrasound.

But before the appointment, his pain became extreme and he rushed to Whyalla Hospital emergency department where scans revealed a tumour in his bowel, as well as growth on his liver and lungs.

Hollinshed underwent surgery about a week later.

He has since been told his cancer cannot be cured, but treatment can prolong his life.

Greg Hollinshed and Ally Storr had only been together for 10 months when he was diagnosed with cancer. Credit: Ally Storr

Hollinshed will start chemotherapy and other treatments next month.

Storr said Hollinshed had no symptoms other than the sudden stomach cramping before the diagnosis.

She is urging more people to consider regular bowel cancer screening tests

“People need to just not be embarrassed — even if you don’t have symptoms, there is no harm in doing it,” she said.

If found early, 90 per cent of bowel cancer cases can be treated.

Eligible Australians aged 45 to 74 can do a free bowel cancer screening which is sent to them every two years.

Screening tests can also be purchased at pharmacies.

Hollinshed’s mother has set up an online fundraiser to help him with his living expenses while he takes time off work for treatment.

Storr said her partner was a very well-loved member of her family and broader Whyalla community.

“He’s got so many friends and they all tell him ‘You’re tough’,” Storr said.

Hollinshed has two children and one granddaughter, and has also built a strong relationship with Storr’s two children in the short time the couple have been together.

“They love him so much,” Storr said.

“He’s like a fatherly figure. He loves doing things with them, he’s taught them a lot in such a short period of time.”