Bowel cancer survivor urges talks about poo

Dave Jones was diagnosed with cancer in 2022

A man who was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer has urged people to not be afraid to talk about poo.

Dave Jones, 35 and from Great Barr, Birmingham, was diagnosed with cancer in December 2022 which came as a massive shock as he had always been fit and healthy.

The full-time chef started to realise something was wrong when he was going to the toilet more frequently, but "like a typical man, I put off thinking about it until it got worse".

Mr Jones had his bladder, lower bowel, prostate and seminal vesicles removed due to the cancer spreading beyond his bowel.

“I’ve never really been to the doctors for anything before, I’ve never smoked, and I’m only an occasional drinker," he said.

The full-time chef is now cancer-free and has urostomy and colostomy bags, which he calls Pinky and Perky.

Dave is now cancer free and encouraged others to go to their GP if they were concerned

"If you’re having issues, it’s nothing that your GP hasn’t seen before," he said.

"Don’t hesitate to seek help if something has changed, even if you’re fit and healthy.”

To help increase awareness of the disease, Bowel Cancer UK is visiting Birmingham with a giant inflatable bowel.

The roadshow will arrive at The Fort Shopping Park on 17 July and Centenary Square on 18 July, to give out support and advice.

“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," the charity's Genevieve Edwards said.