‘Fit and healthy’ man given devastating diagnosis after ignoring key symptom

A seemingly fit and healthy man was diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer after spotting blood in his poo. Dave Jones put off seeing a doctor until his symptoms got worse.

The 35-year-old noticed that he wasn’t always able to pass stools and his concerned girlfriend, Nicole, told him to seek medical help. She had followed Dame Deborah James’ story as she raised awareness of bowel cancer.

Dave, from Great Barr, said: “Like a typical man, I put off thinking about it until it got worse. My wonderful girlfriend Nicole had followed Dame Deborah James’s story and became concerned about my symptoms, so she urged me to see my GP.”

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Dave’s doctor found he was anaemic and gave him an at-home poo test which came back positive. In December 2022 he was sent for a colonoscopy and he was told on the spot that a 4cm cancerous tumour had been found in his rectum.

“I’ve always been a fit and healthy individual,” Dave said. “I’ve never really been to the doctors for anything before, I’ve never smoked, and I’m only an occasional drinker.

“I work as a full-time chef in a hotel, which is always busy and helps keep me active.” A few weeks later, Dave began radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatments. The cancer was Stage 3 and had spread beyond Dave’s bowel.

He underwent surgery to remove his bladder, lower bowel, prostate and seminal vesicles. He now has a urostomy and a colostomy bag, which he calls ‘Pinky’ and ‘Perky’.

“As of October 2023, I’ve been told that I’m cancer-free and I’m currently under no form of treatment, but I still need to have routine scans,” he said. “The experience hasn’t stopped me in my tracks at all, I’m still young and have a very good future ahead of me.

“My main message to people is: don’t be afraid to talk about poo. We all do it, it’s perfectly natural and if you’re having issues, it’s nothing that your GP hasn’t seen before. Don’t hesitate to seek help if something has changed, even if you’re fit and healthy.”

A spokesperson for Bowel Cancer UK said: “In July, Bowel Cancer UK is bringing their awareness roadshow to Birmingham. They will be inviting locals to walk inside a giant inflatable bowel and learn more about the disease.

“The inflatable bowel, measuring 19 feet by seven feet, about the same size as a family campervan, is an interactive experience to demonstrate the various stages of bowel cancer. A walk through the bowel will help raise awareness of bowel cancer symptoms, the importance of taking part in screening and good bowel health.

“The roadshow is also a chance for people to ask any questions or share any worries about bowel cancer, whether about themselves, a loved one or friend, to one of Bowel Cancer UK’s friendly and experienced staff and volunteers.”

Genevieve Edwards, Chief Executive of Bowel Cancer UK, added: “We’re so grateful to Dave for sharing his story to help raise awareness of bowel cancer. Through our Birmingham roadshow we hope to talk to lots of people about the disease, the importance of knowing its symptoms, taking part in screening, and why you should contact your GP as soon as you spot any signs.

“We’re here to welcome everyone to a tour of the giant inflatable bowel, answer any questions you have about your bowel health, and signpost you for further support. No appointment is necessary. See you inside!”

The symptoms of bowel cancer can include:

• Bleeding from your bottom
• Blood in your poo
• A change in your pooing habits. You might be going more or less often, or have diarrhoea or constipation that might come and go
• Losing weight but you’re not sure why
• Feeling very tired all the time but you’re not sure why
• A pain or lump in your tummy

Roadshow dates:

• Tuesday, July 16 from 10am – 4pm outside Asda Superstore Small Heath (859 Coventry road, Small Heath, B10 0HH)
• Wednesday, July 17 from 10am – 4pm outside The Fort Shopping Park (20 Fort Parkway, Birmingham, West Midlands, B24 9FP)
• Thursday, July 18 from 10am – 4pm Centenary Square (Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2AE)

Click here for more information.