As part of Bladder Cancer Awareness Month (May 2026), a great-grandad from Woolton has shared his cancer story in a bid to encourage people to get tested when they have health concerns.

Derek McStein was referred to Aintree University Hospital, part of University Hospitals of Liverpool Group (UHL Group), after his wife Marjorie spotted blood in his urine. The 73-year-old said: “It was actually my wife who told me something might be wrong. It’s a funny story - she would always say to me ‘if it’s yellow, let it mellow, if it’s brown flush it down’.

"So, I followed her rules and she noticed blood in the loo after I’d been. To begin with, I thought nothing of it and then, eventually, I listened to her and went to see the doctor."

Derek was initially prescribed antibiotics before receiving further tests at Aintree University Hospital, which confirmed a diagnosis of bladder cancer last September. Derek said: "Doctors sat me down and told me I have cancer. The prognosis was good, it wasn't terminal. It was a weird feeling. When I read my doctor's notes back the note said: he took it well. It was funny reading that on the report - my wife was with me the whole time, so I wasn't too worried.

"I really was not expecting to be told I had cancer. Even though you hear about people being diagnosed, you just never think it will happen to you."

Derek underwent surgery to remove the cancer in October and had six rounds of immunotherapy and one round of chemotherapy. In January, Derek was given the all clear and has thanked the "amazing" staff at Aintree Hospital who "had been great" throughout his treatment.

Mr Vishwanath Hanchanale, consultant urological and robotic surgeon at UHL Group, said: “Blood in the urine is the most common symptom of bladder cancer, but many people delay seeing their GP because the symptom can come and go or may not cause any pain.

“This blood may appear as pink, red, or brown urine, and even a single episode should never be ignored, even if you are on blood-thinning medication. In many cases, the cause will be something less serious, such as an infection or kidney stones, but it’s vital to have it checked so doctors can rule out cancer.

“If bladder cancer is detected, early treatment is often far more effective, which is why anyone who notices blood in their urine should contact their GP as soon as possible.”

Now his hospital appointments have eased, Derek is looking forward to spending more family time with his nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren as well as going on days out, walks and keeping active with his wife.