A British man has recalled the devastation at being told he had a brain tumor after he dismissed warning signs for years.
Many of us assume we’re generally healthy, and that the occasional nagging symptom will fade if we rest, drink water, or take a break.
But seemingly minor issues can sometimes point to something far more serious.
That’s what happened to Welsh architect Craig Alexander, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor when he was 35.
He said: “Looking back, there were warning signs – but I put it all down to tiredness, dehydration and long working hours.
“Nothing prepares you for being told you have a brain tumor.
“One moment I was working, traveling and living my life as normal, and the next I was facing major brain surgery and the very real possibility of losing my independence.”
Before doctors identified the tumor, Craig had been dealing with headaches, dizziness, tremors, and changes to his vision—symptoms he attributed to stress and demanding hours at work.
Everything changed when he had a seizure while travelling in a car with a colleague. He was taken to hospital for scans, where clinicians discovered the real cause.
The tumor—measuring 75mm by 35mm—was located deep in the central area of his brain. Craig underwent surgery, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Because of where the tumor was positioned, the treatment left him unable to walk or speak for a period afterwards.
Now 38, Craig says he’s doing better, though day-to-day life still comes with challenges and ongoing limitations.
He explained: “Because of the catastrophic risk of further impairment, there are no surgical options left for me. I live with a tumor.
“Right now, my focus is on my health and rebuilding my energy.”
Craig is also backing the launch of a Wales-focused manifesto from the charity Brain Tumour Research.
The organisation is urging swift action to improve care pathways and outcomes for people diagnosed with brain tumors.
Speaking on this Craig said: “Craig said: “Something as basic as getting a blood test before a contrast MRI became a major ordeal at one point I had to travel to Hereford [from Wales] just to have my bloods taken.
“There is a real lack of joined-up care and follow-up, and it often felt like I was falling through the cracks.
“When you’re dealing with a brain tumor, you shouldn’t also have to fight the system to get the most basic parts of your care.”
Director of Research Policy and Innovation at Brain Tumour Research Dr Karen Noble has added: “Brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer death in children and young people, yet patients [in Wales] are being locked out of innovation.
“Our manifesto for Wales is a clear, evidence-based roadmap to change by expanding access to clinical trials, embedding whole genome sequencing into standard care, and committing to targeted research funding.”