Take heed of signs before it’s too late

IN November 2015 my wife passed away from a cancer called Mesothelioma, normally associated with exposure to asbestos.

The day after her funeral I passed blood in my urine. I sought medical help and, five weeks later, after a diagnosis of kidney cancer, I undertook a nine- hour operation carried out by two surgeons, as the cancer had spread towards the liver.

Originally I was told there was a doubt whether I was operable, but I was referred on to a remarkable surgeon, Mr Owen Hughes, at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.

He told me that I did the right thing in seeking immediate help. I responded that I could not imagine anyone not seeking help after passing blood and he replied “You would be surprised”.

The reason for writing is to urge people who have medical issues to seek immediate help. Yes, screening of some cancers is helpful but we have a responsibility to self-screen and then act. Cancer will not get better by itself. It will get worse and could cost you your life.

I did not feel unwell, my only sign of a problem was the passing of blood. My cancer was stage three and if I had left it my prognosis would have been grim. I am now regularly scanned. The message is clear. Take heed of the signs, don’t bury your head in the sand because you are afraid, for goodness sake, seek help. It could prolong your life. If one person takes this on board my letter will not have been in vain. John Edwards

Porthcawl