Fans flooded his comments with supportive messages (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
Merlin Griffiths has shared an important update on his treatment after being diagnosed with bowel cancer, revealing that he received an ‘all clear’ result from his final one-year scan.
In September 2021, the TV personality – best-known for serving up beverages at the First Dates restaurant as the resident bartender – shared that he had been diagnosed with cancer.
He has since been undergoing treatment after a 4.5cm wide tumour was found in his bowel, thanking the NHS for the ‘lifesaving’ surgery that he underwent.
In a new update posted on social media, the barman shared an email that he received about a CT scan that he had.
A CT scan, otherwise known as a computed tomography scan or a CAT scan, uses X-rays and a computer to ‘create detailed images of the inside of the body’, the NHS explains.
The email that Merlin received read: ‘Hi Merlin, hope you are well. Your CT scan has just come through. All looks good, there are no signs of reoccurrence. Hope this is reassuring.’
In his caption, he added: ‘Final Year 1 scan results are in, and it’s ALL CLEAR for now. Nice. Thank you #NHS #bowelcancerawareness.’
Several of his Instagram followers celebrated his brilliant news, with one person who’s going through a similar situation to him commenting: ‘Amazing news! I had my 2 year scan results at the weekend! Like you, all clear! Always such a relief! #scanxiety is real!’
What are the main symptoms of bowel cancer?
The NHS outlines that symptoms of bowel cancer can include:
Changes in your poo, such as having softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation that is not usual for you
Needing to poo more or less often than usual for you
blood in your poo, which may look red or black
Bleeding from your bottom
Often feeling like you need to poo, even if you’ve just been to the toilet
Tummy pain
Bloating
Losing weight without trying
Feeling very tired for no reason
‘Well done merlin amazing news ❤️ keep well and enjoy the new found health x,’ someone else said.
Others who are awaiting their own scan results congratulated Merlin on his news, while expressing their hopes that they’ll receive similarly positive news.
Chef James Martin added: ‘Brilliant news fella just brilliant see you at the house and stay for a glass or 4.’
In April this year, Merlin showed his stoma scars live on TV while opening up about his bowel cancer journey to raise awareness of the condition and symptoms to look out for.
Going on Lorraine, he said: ‘Going through it all myself, you get very comfortable talking about this stuff [checking your poo] because you have to and you’re dealing with medical professionals and treating your diagnosis,’ he said.
‘But I think there is a bigger point and people have to be comfortable talking about this before this happens.’
Macmillan cancer support
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, Macmillan can offer support and information.
You can contact their helpline on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week from 8am to 8pm), use their webchat service, or visit their site for more information.
Fans flooded his comments with supportive messages.