A man has shared his remorse for not disclosing his suffering to his wife due to feelings of shame. Kev Waddle began experiencing pain in his rear end in January 2023 and neglected the discomfort for an entire year. However, as the condition deteriorated, he mustered the bravery to request his wife Tina’s assistance. While on vacation in Morocco in February 2024, Tina was shocked to find a lump the size of a 10 pence coin during a self-examination. The lump was encircled by irritated skin and had a small puncture.
Kev decided to consult his general practitioner after returning from their holiday. Following a CT scan and blood tests, he was diagnosed with anal cancer. Fortunately, the cancer hasn’t spread and is considered treatable. Kev will undergo a five and a half week course of radiation therapy at the hospital and will take chemotherapy tablets at home.
Kev, a father of two from Armley in Leeds, West Yorkshire, is now encouraging men to talk openly about their mental health concerns and to seek medical attention if they notice any abnormalities. He admitted that even after 38 years of marriage, he felt too embarrassed to inform his wife about his condition. The discomfort of asking his wife to examine him was a significant barrier before he finally decided to discuss it with her.
The father of two is encouraging other men to speak openly about their health concerns (Kennedy News and Media).
“My wife noticed a lump that wasn’t well-covered by skin, was quite elevated and inflamed, with a tiny puncture-like opening,” he recounted. “While on holiday, it began to emit an odor and then started discharging fluid, becoming painful to sit on. This prompted us to seek medical attention. We were prepared for the possibility of cancer, but the confirmation came three weeks after the biopsy. The relief was immense when we learned the cancer was treatable and had not spread.”
Symptoms of anal cancer, as outlined by the NHS, include:
- Bleeding from the anus
- Itching and pain around the anal area
- Small lumps around and inside the anus
- Mucus discharge from the anus
- Difficulty controlling bowel movements (bowel incontinence)
- Frequent bowel movements with loose, watery stools.
Kev emphasizes that there is no need for embarrassment and believes in not worrying about things beyond one’s control. “My wife has been sharing my diagnosis on our travel blog, and the support from strangers has been incredible,” he shared. He acknowledges that men often keep issues to themselves, seeing seeking medical help as a sign of weakness. Kev advises anyone with concerns to consult their GP immediately, rather than hiding the problem.
He understands the challenge of overcoming the stigma associated with discussing such issues but stresses the importance of open conversation. Despite leading a healthy lifestyle filled with hiking and walking, Kev knows that diseases can affect anyone. The key, he says, is to start talking about them and stop being reticent.
Kev encourages others to be proactive about their health, using his Facebook page’s slogan, “Don’t be a Kev and get it sorted straight away,” which has resonated with many.