On Monday Morning Matters (November 24) “Hendo” interviewed State MP for Davidson; Matt Cross, about his extraordinary fight to beat cancer for the sake of his unborn son. 

Earlier last year Mr Matt Cross went to donate blood, however, was turned away because his haemoglobin levels were too low. He was rushed back to his GP, and soon after was seen for a Colonoscopy. 

Unfortunately, his screening came back with the news that he had Stage Four Bowel Cancer.

During his discussion with “Hendo,” Cross emphasised the importance of early detection and intervention. 

“That moment was pretty low, because there was no other details beyond – ‘you have cancer’,” said Cross. 

“Bowel cancer is happening amongst younger people; it is on the rise and there is a really important awareness piece that, if you’re young and you are experiencing changes in your bowel habits– you have blood in your stool, you can’t just say ‘look, it’s clearly something else’. You legitimately need to go get a colonoscopy.” 

For all individuals over the age of 45 years old, it is vital you get your bowel screening test as it checks for blood in your stool. 

“The quicker you get treatment, the more likely you are to recover.”

During the time of Cross’ diagnosis, despite it being troubling for himself, he reflected on how lonely it can be for partners or carers as well– expressing the importance of checking on loved ones. 

As Cross was going through chemotherapy, he found out the lovely news that his wife Jessica was pregnant with his son, who is now 7 months old. 

“It’s very special, he’s always very happy and smiling– so we’re just so blessed.”

“It was just such a blessing to know that our little family was starting and a new life was coming– despite the challenge, clearly thinking you know, my life was potentially over.” 

Cross left a message for anyone who was listening, saying: 

“Make sure you’re regularly seeing your GP; at least a visit every six months and ask for bloods, because your bloodwork does say how you are going.”

“I think the second is, if you’re over 45, make sure to get your stool test– that’s really important.” 

“I think the third thing is that if you are ever experiencing blood in your stool, or you have bowel habits that are changing, make sure you go and get a colonoscopy.”