I was diagnosed with cancer after noticing something strange when I got drunk

A YOUNG man told how he was diagnosed with an incurable form of cancer after noticing something strange while drunk.

Phil Dobson, 26, said he struggled to urinate while on holiday in Scotland with his girlfriend Holly Nolan.

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But because he had been “drinking alcohol all day,” Phil attributed his struggles to the booze in his system.

However, the Northumberland man was still unable to urinate when he sobered up and returned home, so he rushed to A&E.

Then, after countless tests, Phil was devastatingly diagnosed with a rare, incurable cancer.

He said the problems first started in July 2021, when he was just 24.

Phil said: “On the second day of the trip I started having trouble passing urine.

“I felt like I always needed a pee, but nothing came out. I didn't think about it because I had been drinking alcohol all day and I thought maybe I was bloated.

“But on the train on the way home I was sweating profusely and couldn't sit still because of the pain in my bladder.

“As soon as we got home to Newcastle I went straight to A&E.”

Phil said he was initially told he had a urinary tract infection and was given medication for it.

But when the symptoms didn't improve, he went back for more tests – and was again told there was nothing else to worry about.

The following month, Phil went back to the doctor.

During the check-up, a lump was found on his prostate and he was rushed to hospital.

There Phil was told that he had a tumor.

He explained: “The staff tried to get me to urinate but it didn't work at all.

“They put a catheter in me and drained my bladder. About two liters of urine were drained from me – a normal bladder should only hold about 500 ml.

“I was in a lot of pain because my kidneys stopped urinating. They did a scan and discovered it was a tumor.”

He was then diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma.

Doctors have now told him it is incurable. Phil recalled: 'I was devastated.

“I had family in the past who had died of cancer. I was determined and hoped that the youth would be on my side.

“Of course my family was devastated too. I was so healthy, exercised a lot and had no previous medical conditions.”

I didn't think anything of it because I had been drinking alcohol all day.

Phil Dobson

Since being diagnosed, Phil has been undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy at the Freeman Hospital.

He said: “The consultant told me that they think the tumor is incurable, but maintenance chemotherapy can keep the tumor under control and stop it coming back.

“I've decided to just live the best life I can. I moved in with my girlfriend earlier this year and we got a dog, which has kept me busy and which I'm really looking forward to. I also moved back in July working at BT.”

Phil is now also working with Teenager Cancer Trust, joining the charity in its drive to raise awareness of the key signs of cancer in young people.

He said their support had been steadfast throughout his illness.

Phil said: “Teenage Cancer Trust has helped me so much.

“A clinical nurse specialist for teenagers and young adults on my unit explained what would happen to me if I was diagnosed with cancer. It was such a confusing time, but her support was wonderful.

“It's hard when you're worried you're wasting a GP's time, but if you know something is wrong, don't hesitate to get it checked out.”

Dr. Louise Soanes, lead nurse at the Teenage Cancer Trust, said the charity is calling on the Government to run a public awareness campaign about the cancers young people experience.

She said: 'It can be scary to think about cancer, especially when you're young, but it can happen to anyone at any age.

“Always listen to your body and if you're concerned, never be afraid to seek help. Chances are it's not cancer, but it's always best to check.”