Andrew Walker, a 31-year-old rugby captain, has had half of his bowel removed after being diagnosed with bowel cancer, a disease rarely found in people his age. Walker, who plays for Bradford Dudley Hill RLFC in West Yorkshire, initially sought medical advice after experiencing fatigue.
Following his diagnosis, he underwent surgery to remove part of his bowel and lymph nodes. Walker is now awaiting test results to determine if further treatment will be necessary.
Though bowel cancer typically affects individuals over the age of 50, Andrew was shocked to receive the diagnosis. “It’s not common for someone in their thirties to have bowel cancer,” he said. “I actually asked the specialist if I could leave and come back because I just couldn’t process it.”
Walker initially believed his symptoms were related to anemia after experiencing ongoing tiredness. Doctors ran additional tests after discovering blood in his stool. Prior to his diagnosis, Walker had suffered multiple sports-related injuries, including a broken rib, punctured lung, and fractured eye socket. These incidents, though unrelated to his cancer, contributed to his sense of confusion about his declining health.
“I just thought I was tired from having a busy lifestyle and getting older,” Walker explained. “My body couldn’t deal with any impact because it was fighting the cancer.”
Telling his rugby team about his diagnosis was especially difficult for the captain. “It was one of the hardest conversations I’ve ever had to have,” Walker said. “They were shocked and distraught, just like my family. We’re a close-knit team, like family.”
Walker, who is married with two sons, is urging others to get checked if they notice any unusual symptoms. “A simple blood test can spot early signs,” he said. “It’s not just about the impact on you, but on your family and friends too. Early detection makes cancer treatable.”
He added that even if he receives an all-clear, the journey isn’t over. “You still face at least five years of tests. It’s good because they’re keeping an eye on you, but it takes a toll.”
Bradford Dudley Hill RLFC is organizing a charity tournament in support of Walker on Friday, September 27, and is seeking raffle prizes to raise funds for his cause.
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