Dean Gaffney reveals ‘I’m A Celebrity’ ‘saved his life’ after he was terrified of colon cancer
I’M A Celebrity contestant Dean Gaffney has opened up about his horrible cancer scare and says he feels lucky to be alive.
It was during his time on the ITV show when medical checks revealed warning signs of colon cancer.
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The former EastEnders star said he underwent a medical in 2020 when he was being considered for an appearance on the show’s Covid-Safe series in Wales.
The 45-year-old was shocked to learn that doctors found multiple polyps in his colon and he needed immediate surgery.
In conversation with the To merorGaffney revealed: “There is no doubt that I am a celebrity and the medical team saved my life.
“I might not be here today if they hadn’t found out what they did.
“Within a few hours I was wearing a hospital gown and under general anesthesia and they took him out.”
When he woke up, the doctor told him, “If you hadn’t come to us today, you could have developed colon cancer in three years.” You were very lucky.”
He added: “I still remember his words clearly. I feel so, so happy. It has made me so cautious about controlling my bowel movements.”
The soap star is now urging everyone to get checked for signs of cancer.
He hopes he can raise awareness about the disease, like Bowelbabe fundraiser Dame Deborah James, who sadly passed away in June last year at the age of 40.
The actor said: “Dame Deborah has been an inspiration to so many. I have great respect for her fight and the awareness she raised for colon cancer.
“If I could do a little part of this for men, I would be very happy.”
Gaffney played Robbie Jackson at EastEnders in various stints from 1993 to 2019.
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