28/05/2026
“The consultant started with ‘I’m sorry…’ and from that point on, I kind of stopped listening.”
When Steven was diagnosed with advanced bladder cancer and prostate cancer, everything changed in an instant.
“I felt numb and lost the ability to focus as my mind went into a spin. It took a long time to sink in.
“I 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 doctors”
Steven went on to have radical surgery to remove his bladder.
“My surgeon later told me that had I not acted immediately, my life expectancy would have been no more than two months.
“The diagnosis and surgery had a huge effect on my wife and I, and all our close family. I couldn’t work, we had debts to cope with, and there was the constant worry of whether the cancer would come back.
“One of the most important things I did was walk through the door of a Macmillan Information and Support Centre. Until you need it, you don’t realise what’s out there. Macmillan helped to get me through the most difficult period of my life.”
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.
“I started the group and ran it as Chairman for the first year. I’m pleased to say it’s still running with over a hundred members.”
It’s important to know the signs and symptoms of bladder cancer, as they aren’t always obvious. Thank you for sharing your story Steven 💚
If you’re worried about cancer or need support, we’re here for you. Find out more: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-awareness/bladder-cancer-awareness-month
