When a former Willenhall councillor's GP daughter noticed he had lost weight, he initially attributed it to increased exercise and a better diet. However, Ian Shires now admits he was 'making excuses' and hopes his experience as a cancer survivor encourages others to get tested promptly.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Mr Shires, who represented Willenhall North on Walsall Council for over 40 years, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2023 after missing two screening tests. He underwent successful treatment at Walsall Manor Hospital and remains cancer-free.
Patient Advocacy
Now a patient advocate for West Midlands Cancer Alliance, he organised a Bowel Cancer Awareness Event at the Hive Community Hub in Willenhall to highlight the condition. Mr Shires explained how he rationalised his symptoms: 'My daughter said there was something wrong, but I blamed Covid, diet changes, and more exercise. I was really afraid that cancer meant a death sentence.'
He emphasised that a cancer diagnosis is not necessarily terminal: 'You can live well with cancer. The longer you survive, the better your chances as new treatments emerge.'
Screening Uptake Concerns
Monthly awareness events revealed that screening uptake in parts of Walsall is below 50 per cent. Mr Shires said: 'It's scary. I missed tests myself, but FIT tests are now easy. There is no excuse. The sooner you are diagnosed, the better your chances.'
He recalled how seeing BBC presenter Nick Owen's prostate cancer announcement prompted him to have a blood test, which showed a dramatic drop in haemoglobin. Shortly after, he collapsed and was taken to hospital, where his cancer was discovered.
The events aim to encourage open conversations about cancer. Mr Shires added: 'I am proud the West Midlands Cancer Alliance recognises our work as good practice and is helping spread the message.'
