In a recent article in The Advertiser’s SA Weekend (15-16 February 2025), media stalwart and FIVEAA Mornings host, Graeme Goodings, shared his personal journey with bowel cancer, highlighting the critical importance of early detection and regular health check-ups.

One beautiful, fine and sunny day, two decades ago Graeme ate a yiros for lunch.

“Then I went to work, read the news, had some updates to do, and on the way home I started to get a knotted feeling in the chest.  I thought it was a bit of indigestion, probably from the yiros, but it gradually got worse… I was in pain.”

Knowing the pains were also symptoms of a heart attack, Graeme’s wife Eve, insisted on going to the emergency department.  They ran some tests and a doctor told him, “It looks like you’ve had a major gastric disturbance that has passed through, and you’re fine, it was nothing to do with your heart.” He then said “I’m doing my internship, and we have to do certain tests to pass. Would you mind if I ran a couple of extra tests?”

The intern conducted additional tests, and came back about an hour later and said, “I’m a bit concerned, I’ve seen something on one of the tests that I think you should get looked at.”  Graeme went to see a specialist who told him that he had stage three bowel cancer, and they needed to act quickly.  Without the extra testing from the super zealous intern and the timely intervention, Graeme’s prognosis would have been much worse.

Following surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, Graeme made a full recovery. Now, as an ambassador for the Jodi Lee Foundation, he emphasises the significance of regular health check-ups. He encourages individuals to prioritise their health and not to dismiss symptoms, regardless of how minor they may seem.

“I impress upon my sons and all men, don’t forgo tests, even if it might be an inconvenience, an annoyance, and you think you’re healthy….   It was a tough lesson and I learned the hard way, but I’m lucky enough to still be here to tell my story.”

Graeme’s story underscores the life-saving impact of early detection. His experience serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of proactive health measures.

Graeme explains, “I have been an ambassador for the Jodi Lee Foundation for years. I have the greatest admiration for (founder) Nick Lee for what he’s been able to achieve – not on a state but national level – raising awareness for cancer. Losing his wife, Jodi, at such a young age … it’s a tragic story that he has turned around to help countless people. Anything I can do to help, I will.”

As an ambassador for the Jodi Lee Foundation, Graeme is available to speak to community groups and workplaces.

To read the original article from The Advertiser click here.