Former Preston North End footballer Mel Tottoh, 67, has urged people over 65 not to dismiss muscle pain after he was diagnosed with incurable cancer following months of rib and kidney pain. He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer, in September 2021 after a routine GP appointment for anaemia.
Mr Tottoh initially attributed his rib pain to a golfing injury but sought medical help after it persisted. Subsequent tests revealed anaemia, and he was called in to discuss results. Expecting a prescription for iron tablets, he was instead told he had cancer. 'I was completely blown away,' he said. 'As soon as he mentioned the cancer word, it was like I just went into death mode.'
Myeloma is two to three times more common in black people than in white people, and black patients often face longer waits for diagnosis. Mr Tottoh hopes his story encourages men, especially black men, to seek help. He also welcomed the King's decision to share his cancer diagnosis, hoping it will prompt faster NHS diagnosis and treatment.
More than half of myeloma patients wait over five months for a correct diagnosis. A Myeloma UK spokesperson advised: 'If you have persistent and unexplained back pain, severe fatigue or repeated infections, see your GP. If symptoms don't go away, keep pushing or ask for a second opinion.'
Mr Tottoh, who has undergone radiotherapy, chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, has been in remission for 17 months. 'I'm grateful for every day,' he said. 'Let's live our lives to create new memories.'
