John Hallatt, from Bramley, never expected to be treated for cancer in the same hospital he worked at.
But following a free combined kidney and lung screening funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research, he found himself having kidney surgery surrounded by colleagues on a ward he’d often delivered parcels to.
Now back to daily life after his kidney cancer was found early and surgically removed, John is supporting an extension of the kidney research study that saved his life, and he’s encouraging anyone who receives a letter through their door to attend.
Life-long Leeds United fan John was first invited to the Leeds Lung Health Check in 2021.
The pioneering lung screening clinical trial, delivered in partnership with Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, offered scans to thousands of people across Leeds at high risk of lung cancer.
The study diagnosed more than 400 lung cancers and successfully helped demonstrate how a national lung screening programme could save lives.
“I used to smoke, and I was starting to get old, so I thought it was a good idea to check how my lungs were doing,” John, 65, explained. “Thankfully, the results for my lung scan were clear.”
As the study progressed, researchers leading the Leeds Lung Health Check found other types of cancers were being detected on lung scans, such as kidney cancers.
As a result, Yorkshire Cancer Research decided to provide further funding to test whether offering a dedicated abdomen scan alongside a lung scan at lung screening appointments could find more cancers and help save lives.
So, when John was asked to have a follow-up lung health check two years later, he was also offered a scan of his kidneys.
John said: “I don’t know what’s going on inside me, and cancer can develop anywhere in your body. When I attended my lung health check for the second time, I was more than happy to have the kidney scan as well.”
Three weeks later, John’s GP rang him to say that the scan had detected a lump on his kidney.
“When I was told they suspected something was wrong, that was the worst day of my life,” John admitted. “I hadn’t noticed any changes in my body that suggested I was anything other than healthy. I had absolutely no idea. It came as a real shock.”
A follow-up appointment confirmed that John had early-stage kidney cancer. As it was a small size, he was offered a treatment called ‘cryoablation’, where cold gas is inserted into the tumour through a needle, which destroys the cancer cells by freezing them.
“I wanted to have a smooth recovery so I could get back to work and play with the grandkids as soon as possible, so that’s why I chose to have ‘ice ball’ treatment. I’m so thankful my cancer was early stage, and I didn’t have to go through any longer treatments. I see people attending chemotherapy sessions all the time at the hospital, and it’s a tough process.”
John has worked at St James’s University Hospital in Leeds since 2007, supplying vital services to staff by delivering medical equipment and other parcels. As a constant “friendly face” in the corridors, he says he had a network of people to provide support as he had treatment.
John said: “It was quite strange being treated for cancer in the place I work, because I went into the operation and knew everyone around me. They really calmed my nerves and reassured me that I would see them again in a few hours. Their presence was such a comfort.”
Two years on after his cancer treatment, John is doing well, with his latest scan showing clear results.
“When I was first diagnosed, I was worried about whether the cancer had spread to anywhere else in my body. Luckily, the kidney scan found the tumour early. If they hadn’t found it when they did, I wonder where it might have spread to.”
Led by researchers at the University of Cambridge, the Yorkshire Kidney Screening Trial found that more than nine in ten people offered the kidney scan agreed to have it, and 80% of the kidney cancers identified were found at an early stage.
“I can now say the word cancer, but I couldn’t at the time,” John reflected. “When I found out I had the ‘Big C’, I think it was the scariest moment I’ve ever experienced. It honestly broke my heart; I thought my life was coming to an end.
“But after my operation, I’m not afraid anymore. I know now that there are so many ways to cure people, especially if you’re diagnosed early. I see wonderful treatments, like the one I received myself, happening on the oncology ward all the time.”
Following the success of the kidney screening study, Yorkshire Cancer Research is funding an extension called TACTICAL1, which will test different ways to invite people for a scan of their abdomen. The trial will also explore how to speed up the scan and show that a larger-scale study could work, so more cancers can be found. Abdomen scans could help detect many different cancers including kidney, stomach, colon, liver, pancreatic and bowel.
John continued: “If there’s one message I want people to know, it’s this: if you get invited for a scan, go for it. Kidney screening saved my life. Without it, I would never have known that anything was wrong.
“It’s easy to put off going to the doctors and getting your health checked, but it’s so important to look after yourself. You never know what’s around the corner.”
John is still tirelessly working at St James’ Hospital but is taking things slower after cancer. He’s enjoying his time going out on walks and attending football games at Elland Road in memory of his dad, who was also a dedicated Leeds United follower.
John concluded: “I like going about my life as usual: working, watching the football, meeting new people and keeping active – I was even thinking about getting a bike. However, I’m definitely looking forward to retirement soon.”
Find out more about TACTICAL1 here.
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