Urgent: Stubbed Toe Uncovers Hidden Blood Cancer in London Man – A Wake-Up Call for Early Detection
LONDON, UK – October 27, 2025 – In a startling reminder of the often-silent nature of cancer, 62-year-old Paul Angliss of Stoke Newington, London, discovered he had multiple myeloma – a type of blood cancer – after a seemingly innocuous incident: stubbing his toe. This breaking news story highlights the critical importance of paying attention to persistent, unexplained pain and seeking medical attention, even when symptoms appear minor. This is a story that underscores the power of early detection and the advancements being made in cancer treatment, making it a vital piece for Google News and SEO focused health reporting.
Paul Angliss, whose diagnosis was triggered by a seemingly minor injury.
From Mount Fuji to a Life-Changing Diagnosis
The journey to diagnosis began during a family vacation in Japan in October 2024. While ascending Mount Fuji, Angliss experienced escalating lower back pain, initially dismissed as a consequence of age. Weeks later, a chance bump from a chair in his bedroom sent a “shock wave” through his spine, culminating in a fractured third cervical vertebra (C3) and temporary paralysis. Paramedics initially attributed his symptoms to a simple fracture, prescribing painkillers. However, the unrelenting pain – preventing him from sleeping for more than two hours at a time – prompted a visit to the emergency room.
An MRI revealed not only the fracture but also raised suspicions of underlying blood cancer. Doctors found it “really unusual” that a minor injury could cause such a severe fracture, leading them to investigate further. The subsequent diagnosis confirmed Angliss’s worst fears: multiple myeloma.
Understanding Multiple Myeloma: The Silent Threat
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell responsible for producing antibodies that fight infection. In myeloma, cancerous plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow, crowding out healthy cells. This weakens bones, making them prone to fractures – even from minor trauma. Early stages of the disease often present no noticeable symptoms, making early detection incredibly challenging. Common symptoms, when they do appear, include bone pain (particularly in the spine, chest, or hips), nausea, constipation, fatigue, and frequent urination.
“Myeloma weakens the bones and, if I hadn’t fractured it, things could have been much worse,” Angliss explained, emphasizing the fortunate timing of his diagnosis. He was found to have 28 “holes” in his spine, a stark illustration of the disease’s impact.
Treatment and a Remarkable Recovery
Angliss immediately began chemotherapy at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London, followed by a stem cell transplant in April 2025. He then participated in a clinical trial in September 2025, involving a bone marrow biopsy. The results were overwhelmingly positive: in September 2025, doctors declared him cancer-free, confirmed by a subsequent biopsy, and he was discharged on October 13th.
His oncologist remains optimistic, highlighting the growing number of treatment options available. “There are many alternative treatment medications I can start if the current ones start to lose their effectiveness,” Angliss shared. “Some people go into remission for years, and it is an exciting time for myeloma in terms of treatments that are being developed.”
A visual representation of healthy and cancerous plasma cells.
A Call to Action: Listen to Your Body
Angliss’s story is a powerful testament to the importance of listening to your body and seeking medical attention for persistent, unexplained pain. He now dedicates himself to raising awareness about multiple myeloma and encouraging others to prioritize their health. “With something like this you learn some lessons about yourself: you don’t take your health for granted, you pay attention to yourself,” he reflected. “I was lucky… some people are not that lucky.”
This case serves as a crucial reminder that even seemingly minor injuries can be a signal of a more serious underlying condition. Early detection, as Angliss’s experience demonstrates, can be the difference between a challenging battle and a successful recovery. For more information on multiple myeloma, visit the Mayo Clinic website and Blood Cancer UK. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and prioritize your health – it’s the most valuable asset you have.
