Hard to spot signs of rectal cancer as 90s DJ dies after diagnosis

18 June 2024 , 08:58

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Dario G has died one year after being diagnosed with stage four rectal cancer (Image: Instagram)

Dario G, best known for hits including Carnaval De Paris and Sunchyme, died on Monday following a 'battle' with cancer.

The DJ and producer, whose real name was Paul Spencer, has been hailed as a "true inspiration" by fellow British DJ Sigala. The 53-year-old's family posted on social media on Monday evening: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Paul Spencer earlier today.

"He was positive until the end but this was one battle he could not fight anymore. He leaves behind a wonderful musical legacy and many happy memories for many people. He will be sadly missed by everyone who loved him." Spencer revealed last June that he had been diagnosed with stage four rectal cancer and a shadow on his liver.

Dario G told fans he received a stage four cancer diagnosis last June (Perthshire Advertiser)

In a video from January, the star said his cancer had tragically grown in his liver and had also spread to his lungs. Experts have warned that the cancer can be hard to spot and can sometimes spread silently, however there are some signs to look out for.

Depending on where the cancer starts, bowel cancer is sometimes called colon or rectal cancer. The rectum is part of the large bowel, which is part of the digestive system. Rectal cancer is more common in older people.

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According to Bowel Cancer UK, bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK. Almost 43,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year in the UK. Around 268,000 people living in the UK today have been diagnosed with bowel cancer.

More than nine out of ten new cases (94 per cent) are diagnosed in people over the age of 50. But bowel cancer can affect anyone of any age. Rectal cancer can present symptoms that include:

1. Changes in bowel habits : This can include diarrhoea, constipation, or a change in the consistency of your stool that lasts longer than four weeks.
2. Rectal bleeding : Noticeable blood in the stool or bleeding from the rectum.
3. Persistent abdominal discomfort : Cramping, gas, or pain.
4. A feeling of incomplete bowel movements : The sensation that you need to have a bowel movement that is not relieved by doing so.
5. Weakness or fatigue : Often due to anaemia from blood loss.
6. Unexplained weight loss : Losing weight without trying.
7. Narrow stools : Stools that are thinner than usual.
8. Pelvic pain : Particularly in more advanced cases.

The DJ said he was "doing well" six months before his sad death (Instagram/ @dariogofficial)

Paul shot to fame in the nineties (Instagram/ @dariogofficial)

If you have symptoms, you will usually begin by seeing your GP, who will examine you. If they think that your symptoms could be caused by cancer, they will refer you to a specialist doctor. Charity Macmillan Cancer Support says the exact cause of colorectal cancer (colon or rectal cancer) is unknown. But, things called risk factors can increase the chance of a person developing it - these include age, eating processed meat, and not being physically active.

The official Instagram page of charity Macmillan Cancer Support wrote: "We are sad to hear of Paul’s death and sending love to his friends and family. Last year he released a charity single, ‘Savour the Miracle of Life’ with the profits kindly being donated to us to help us support people living with cancer. He was incredibly kind and will be missed by everyone who knew him."

In the comments of the Instagram post shared by Paul's family, Sigala, real name Bruce Fielder, 31, who is known for hits including Came Here For Love and Sweet Lovin’, said the DJ had encouraged him to get himself checked for cancer. He said: "That’s so sad. A true inspiration, he brought joy to so many people and will live on forever through his music.

"Paul told me many times over the last year ‘Go get yourself checked’ so I’m passing on that message to anyone reading this, as I’m sure he would want me to. Our health should be more of a priority! He will be missed greatly. Sending love to his family, rest in peace buddy xx."

Saffron Otter