Merlin Griffiths has provided a significant update on his treatment after being diagnosed with colon cancer, stating that his last one-year scan yielded a ‘all clear’ result.
The TV personality, widely known as the regular barman at the First Dates restaurant, announced his cancer diagnosis in September 2021.
He has now been having treatment after a 4.5cm wide tumour was discovered in his colon, and he has expressed gratitude to the NHS for the ‘lifesaving’ operation that he had.
In a fresh social media posting, the barman revealed an email he received concerning a CT scan he underwent.
According to the NHS, a CT scan, also known as a computed tomography scan or a CAT scan, combines X-rays and a computer to “create detailed images of the inside of the body.”
The email that Merlin received read: ‘Hi Merlin, hope you are well. Your CT scan has just come through. All looks good, there are no signs of reoccurrence. Hope this is reassuring.’
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In his caption, he added: ‘Final Year 1 scan results are in, and it’s ALL CLEAR for now. Nice. Thank you #NHS #bowelcancerawareness.’
Several of his Instagram followers celebrated his brilliant news, with one person who’s going through a similar situation to him commenting: ‘Amazing news! I had my 2 year scan results at the weekend! Like you, all clear! Always such a relief! #scanxiety is real!’
‘Well done merlin amazing news ❤️ keep well and enjoy the new found health x,’ someone else said.
Others who are waiting for their scan results congratulated Merlin on his good news and expressed hope that they will receive similar good news.
‘Brilliant news fella,’ said Chef James Martin. ‘Just fantastic, meet you at the house and stay for a glass or four.’
Merlin exposed his stoma scars live on TV in April this year while speaking up about his colon cancer journey to increase awareness of the ailment and indications to look out for.
Going on Lorraine, he said: ‘Going through it all myself, you get very comfortable talking about this stuff [checking your poo] because you have to and you’re dealing with medical professionals and treating your diagnosis,’ he said.
‘But I think there is a bigger point and people have to be comfortable talking about this before this happens.’
What are the main symptoms of bowel cancer?
The NHS outlines that symptoms of bowel cancer can include:
- Changes in your poo, such as having softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation that is not usual for you
- Needing to poo more or less often than usual for you
blood in your poo, which may look red or black - Bleeding from your bottom
- Often feeling like you need to poo, even if you’ve just been to the toilet
- Tummy pain
- Bloating
- Losing weight without trying
- Feeling very tired for no reason
Macmillan cancer support
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, Macmillan can offer support and information.
You can contact their helpline on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week from 8am to 8pm), use their webchat service, or visit their site for more information.
Source My Celebrity Life.
