28/05/2026
âThe consultant started with âIâm sorryâŚâ and from that point on, I kind of stopped listening.â
When Steven was diagnosed with advanced bladder cancer and prostate cancer, everything changed in an instant.
âI felt numb and lost the ability to focus as my mind went into a spin. It took a long time to sink in.
âI had been losing weight, but I just put it down to an active lifestyle. I had pains in my lower abdomen, fatigue and changes in my mood. I thought it was stress, long hours, and just being tired. It was blood in my urine that was the signal to go to the doctorsâ
Steven went on to have radical surgery to remove his bladder.
âMy surgeon later told me that had I not acted immediately, my life expectancy would have been no more than two months.
âThe diagnosis and surgery had a huge effect on my wife and I, and all our close family. I couldnât work, we had debts to cope with, and there was the constant worry of whether the cancer would come back.
âOne of the most important things I did was walk through the door of a Macmillan Information and Support Centre. Until you need it, you donât realise whatâs out there. Macmillan helped to get me through the most difficult period of my life.â
With support from those around him, Steven slowly began to rebuild his life after cancer. Wanting to help others facing similar experiences, he went on to start a cancer support group in south Buckinghamshire.
âI started the group and ran it as Chairman for the first year. Iâm pleased to say itâs still running with over a hundred members.â
Itâs important to know the signs and symptoms of bladder cancer, as they arenât always obvious. Thank you for sharing your story Steven đ
If youâre worried about cancer or need support, weâre here for you. Find out more: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-awareness/bladder-cancer-awareness-month