It was just a routine test that turned his life upside down

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

When Tom Sanders visited hospital for his annual cancer test, it was just like any other routine screening. The 33-year-old had undergone the same examination for the last 10 years and nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

Everything appeared to be going well until medics found an “area of concern” which required further testing – leading to a discovery that would change his life forever.

Sadly, it was later confirmed Tom had colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, a type of cancer that develops in the colon or rectum. READ MORE: 'The neck problem that turned out to be something beyond my worst nightmares' Tom had been required to attend regular cancer screenings following his ulcerative colitis diagnosis 10 years ago.

Ulcerative colitis makes the immune system cause inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the colon and rectum. Those with the condition have a higher risk of developing colon cancer because long-term inflammation in the colon can lead to changes in cells, making cancer more likely over time.