A MUSICIAN from west Cumbria has joined the Teenage Cancer Trust in encouraging young people to speak out about cancer symptoms.

Mitch Sloan of Moor Row was diagnosed with germ cell cancer in May 2020 at just 22.

He is now sharing his story as part of The Teenage Cancer Trust’s #BestToCheck campaign.

Mitch, who is a familiar face on the Cumbrian live music scene said: “Earlier this year, I was enjoying playing drums with my band – Springfield - and we were due to play at a local music festival.

“We were gigging regularly in the run up to it, and I noticed I was getting more and more breathless than usual after coming off stage. Practicing at home was getting harder too and I started getting chest pains.

“The pains came and went for a couple of weeks before I decided to go to the doctors in February. They thought I had Costochondritis and I was given painkillers. The painkillers seemed to work for a while.”

Mitch’s life changed when his symptoms became more severe.

“One night in May I was breathless and my pulse was really high, in addition to the chest pains getting really intense. After calling 111 I went to A&E and was admitted, about a week later I was diagnosed with cancer. I was by myself when the doctor told me, and I had a little cry. Cancer wasn’t in my mind at all, in fact it was the last thing I imagined.”

The young drummer has told his story to bring home the importance of being proactive about unusual symptoms.

Through their campaign, The Teenage Cancer Trust is asking young people to look out for the signs, which include: lumps, bumps or swelling, unexplained tiredness, weight change and persistent pain.

Speaking about the #BestToCheck campaign, Dr Louise Soanes said: “Latest research suggests that cancer symptoms can vary from person to person, ranging from persistent pain and lumps and bumps to unexplained bruising. “Whilst not all symptoms mean someone has cancer, diagnosing cancer early can have a significant impact on a young person’s life so it is best to check and make a referral sooner rather than later.”

The charity is also campaigning to raise £6 million and maintain frontline services despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.