I’m a Cancer survivor with lived experience of not being heard with my symptoms and advocating for myself. I run an Instagram page "Friendswithstomas" I have presented at Stoma Open days for Convatec UK and I am an Influencer/Speaker for Convatec US I run a local stoma group in my local area. I am sharing my journey through Cancer treatment and life with a permanent stoma to raise awareness, show hope and break the stigma. I have had my colostomy since November 2022 due to Rectal Cancer, and i am comfortable with my life. There are so many questions that are not asked in the stoma community and I want this to change. No one would have a stoma unless they need to, and that is what needs to be vocalised. I have mine, as without it the Cancer would have taken over and i would have died. Others have one due to the fact it makes their life liveable for the better, from a bowel disease that can see them being on the toilet most of the day. There are many conflicting myths and facts that are confusing that need to be put straight.