'I tried to man up and ignore my symptoms - now I'm 31 with a diagnosis of terminal cancer'

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

A 31-year-old man diagnosed with terminal cancer says doctors might have been able to save him if he hadn't ignored his symptoms.

In March this year, Liam Griffiths noticed his stomach swelling and had chronic constipation, cramps and vomiting. But instead of seeking help, he tried to 'man up' and get on with his life.

The former oil rig worker said he made the decision to power on as he was self-employed and needed the money - but now says it was "the biggest mistake I’ve ever made". READ MORE: Teenager's tragic death after doctors missed treatable tumour for SEVEN years of hospital 'neglect' Read more health stories from the Manchester Evening News here. His symptoms eventually became unmanageable and Liam went to hospital, where he was diagnosed with Crohn's disease and later bowel cancer.

Liam had surgery but was told by doctors that it had been unsuccessful and that his cancer was terminal. Liam, from Middlesborough, is now coming to terms with his diagnosis and wants to encourage other people to take notice of their bodies and seek help as soon as possible.