Darren’s Story: I Nearly Didn’t Do the Test That Saved My Life”. My Story of Strength and Survival.

When Darren Giles talks about cancer, he doesn’t talk about giving up. He talks about living. But he also calls for more awareness of some of the hidden risks.

Darren is 60, born and bred in Sunderland. He’s a husband, a dad, and until recently worked long hours in the motor and finance industries. In July 2023, his life changed fast. A routine bowel screening test led to scans, surgery, and a diagnosis of bowel cancer that had already spread to his liver, pelvis and abdomen.

Today, Darren is living with stage 4 cancer. His diagnosis is incurable and inoperable – but he’s clear about one thing.

“I’m not dying with cancer. I’m living with it.”

The cancer was discovered after Darren completed a FIT bowel screening test – something he admits sat on the side for weeks before he sent it off.

“I nearly didn’t do it,” he says. “But I did – and everything moved so fast after that.”

Within days, Darren had a colonoscopy, MRI and CT scans. Surgeons found several tumours and scheduled major surgery. One of his biggest fears was waking up with a stoma.

“I remember coming round and the first thing I did was check. When they told me I didn’t have one, I cried with relief.”

Recovery wasn’t easy. Darren spent a week in hospital, surrounded by tubes and lines keeping him alive. One conversation with a nurse has stayed with him ever since.

“She told me, ‘If your head’s straight, you’ve got a much better chance.’ I still believe that. Your mindset matters.”

After surgery, Darren was told the cancer had gone. But in July 2024, it returned – this time with secondary tumours in his liver. Since then, hospital visits have become part of everyday life. Blood tests. Scans. Chemotherapy. Weekly appointments.

“It does rule your life a bit,” he says. “But you adapt.”

Rather than retreating, Darren leaned into helping others. In 2025, he set up the Sunderland Cancer Group for Men, a social group designed to give men a space to talk – or just sit and have a coffee.

“I thought if I helped one person, my time would be worthwhile,” he says. “Now there are dozens of us.”

The group isn’t about fundraising or attention. It’s about connection. Quiet support. Turning up when someone needs to talk.

Darren is careful to be clear when it comes to alcohol. No doctor has ever told him that alcohol caused his cancer.

“I don’t know if it played a part,” he says. “No one has ever said that to me.”

But what Darren does know is this: alcohol causes cancer – and most people are still unaware of that fact.

“I think people have a right to know what alcohol can do to their bodies,” he says. “Not scare-mongering – just honest information.”

Alcohol is linked to at least seven types of cancer, including bowel and liver cancer. The risk increases the more you drink – but there is no completely safe level.

Darren drank for much of his adult life. At times heavily, later more moderately but has become increasingly aware of the health risks. He stopped drinking altogether in July 2023 when he was initially diagnosed. Now, living with liver cancer, that decision feels even clearer.

“My liver is already working overtime. Why would I give it more to deal with?”

One question keeps coming back to him.

“If cigarettes have big warning labels, why doesn’t alcohol?”

For Darren, this isn’t about banning alcohol or judging anyone’s behaviour. It’s about honesty, and about people being given clear, visible information so they can understand the risks and decide for themselves.

He sees some younger people already drinking less, or not at all. But he worries that many people his age still don’t realise the link between alcohol and cancer – particularly bowel and liver cancer.

“Alcohol can be a silent harm,” he says. “Not just for people with dependency – but for ordinary drinkers too.”

For anyone reading Darren’s story – whether you’re worried about your own health, supporting someone with cancer, or thinking about your drinking – his message is simple. Do the screening tests. Look after your body. Get the facts about alcohol. Don’t ignore what you already know.

“If having the information helps even one person reduce their risk, then it matters.”

Darren doesn’t claim to have all the answers. He doesn’t blame himself, and he doesn’t blame others. He just believes that knowledge is power – and that people deserve the truth.

Because when it comes to alcohol and cancer, knowing the risk could change – or even save a life. ” I think it’s really important that alcohol is finally being recognised as a risk factor for cancer. People need to know the risks so they can make informed choices about their health.”