Importance Score: 55 / 100 🔵
A father has shared his story of how he initially overlooked symptoms of what turned out to be terminal bladder cancer, mistaking them for lingering effects of a urinary tract infection (UTI). This highlights the importance of early detection and seeking medical advice promptly. Chris Cotton, a 50-year-old from Sandbach in Cheshire, is now urging others to be vigilant about potential cancer indicators and not to delay getting checked.
Misinterpreting the Early Signs
Initial Consultation and Relief
In October 2022, Chris Cotton first consulted his general practitioner (GP) due to experiencing discomfort during urination and an increased frequency of needing to urinate. He attempted to alleviate his symptoms with cranberry juice, a popular home remedy for UTIs, and was subsequently prescribed antibiotics. The treatment appeared to be effective, and his discomfort subsided.
Recurring Symptoms and Diagnosis
However, just a few months later, the symptoms resurfaced. After several return visits to his GP, Cotton was eventually referred to a specialist last year for further evaluation.
The Diagnosis: Stage Four Bladder Cancer
In January, diagnostic tests revealed that the father of two had muscle-invasive bladder cancer. This meant that the malignant tumor had penetrated the muscle layer of his bladder wall.
Advanced Stage and Prognosis
Further scans indicated that the cancer had progressed to stage four, the most advanced stage, signifying that it had metastasized to other parts of his body. Consequently, doctors estimated that he had approximately one to two years to live.
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Raising Awareness and Encouraging Early Detection of Bladder Cancer
Mr. Cotton is now passionately advocating for increased awareness, urging individuals not to disregard potential warning signs and to seek medical attention without hesitation.
Recounting the Initial Misdiagnosis
He recalled, “I went to the doctors and explained what was going on. They took some urine samples and gave me some antibiotics.”
- “That seemed to work, and it kind of went away for a while.”
- “A few months later, the pain came back, and I tried everything.”
- “I would drink cranberry juice, thinking that would flush through whatever was causing the pain, but that didn’t have much of an effect.”
Further Examinations and Biopsy
After his GP referred him to Leighton Hospital in Crewe, CT scans revealed a suspicious growth on his bladder. During a biopsy, doctors extracted a 10cm tumor from the bladder.
Mr. Cotton added, “I prepared myself that it could be cancer. After the doctor left, it hit me, and I was upset for a while.”
- “It was really raw, but I have to accept the situation I am in; I have very little control.”
Devastating News
On January 3rd, just a day following his 50th birthday, he received the devastating diagnosis.
He explained, “The cancer had already spread to my pelvic lymph nodes and to a blood vessel near the bladder.”
“The oncologist said it was incurable.”
“I asked what time frame we were looking at; it is a question that nobody wants to ask, and nobody wants to answer.”
“She said that if we accept that the cancer is spreading and other options don’t work, I would be looking at 12 to 24 months.”
He further shared, “This devastating news came as a huge shock — not just to me — but also to my incredibly strong and supportive wife Hannah, and our two wonderful young daughters aged 12 and 14.”
“Our world changed overnight to learning new things about cancer, hospital appointments, and difficult conversations with family and friends.”
“I was upset at that point; your mind starts racing. If I only have 12 to 24 months left to live — what do I do?”
“There are things I wanted to do in my lifetime, places that I wanted to see.”
Bladder Cancer: Incidence and Treatment
Annually, approximately 10,000 individuals in the UK are diagnosed with bladder cancer, and around 5,000 succumb to the disease. Early detection significantly improves the chances of a cure through surgical intervention or drug therapies.
Notable Cases
In 2020, artist Tracey Emin disclosed her diagnosis with bladder cancer. She underwent surgery to remove her bladder and other pelvic organs and is currently cancer-free.
However, if the disease spreads into surrounding organs, it almost always becomes incurable.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Bladder Cancer
Besides blood in the urine, symptoms of bladder cancer encompass:
- Frequent and painful urination
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Incontinence
- Abdominal pain
The disease is linked to smoking and is three times more prevalent in men than in women.
The Need for Awareness and Research
Experts suggest that a lack of awareness, stigma surrounding symptoms, limited treatment options, and the misconception of it being an elderly disease have led to bladder cancer being labeled a “Cinderella disease.” This means it’s often overlooked regarding research funding, celebrity endorsement, and public awareness campaigns.
Treatment and Fundraising Efforts
In January, Mr. Cotton commenced six cycles of chemotherapy at The Christie Hospital in Manchester to extend his life.
Furthermore, he has committed to raising funds for The Maggie Keswick Jencks Cancer Care Centres Trust, an organization that has provided support to him and his family since his diagnosis.
Charity Bike Ride
He is participating in a Tour De 4, Sir Chris Hoy’s fundraising charity bike ride — a 56-mile bike ride in Glasgow on September 7.
Last month he set up a GoFundMe page for the challenge. To date it has already raised over £2,200.
Inspiration from Sir Chris Hoy
He said: “When I heard that Sir Chris Hoy was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer, I thought how he showed that life does not end with your diagnosis.”
“His approach to his diagnosis inspired me.”
“Cycling has always been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember, from racing in town centre sprints as a young teenager to competing in Extreme Iron Distance triathlons.”
“It is a pastime I have sought great solace which has helped me mentally and physically in tough times.”