Active Father's Back Pain Leads to Kidney Cancer Diagnosis and Life-Changing Journey

Active Father's Back Pain Leads to Shocking Kidney Cancer Diagnosis

An active father-of-three received a life-altering phone call during his 40th birthday celebration, revealing that his persistent back pain was actually kidney cancer. Paul Souter, now aged 43, had initially tried acupuncture and sports massages to manage the discomfort in his lower back, which would come and go regularly.

Paul, who works as a project director for a building company in Essex, was enjoying his milestone birthday at the Ivy Asia in London with his wife Kerry and friends when the call came through. He shared, "We knew the call was coming, so we went into a private room. The doctor said my back looked okay with just wear and tear, but he could see something on my kidney that didn't look right and needed checking out."

Incidental Diagnosis Reflects Broader Trend

This experience is not unique, as highlighted by Results from Kidney Cancer UK's Patient Survey 2025. More than half of patients surveyed, 54 per cent, reported being diagnosed with kidney cancer incidentally during scans for other conditions rather than through proactive investigations.

Paul described the moment of diagnosis on March 2, 2022, as overwhelming. "When you hear the word cancer, there's nothing that can prepare you for it. I completely blacked out and zoned out into a different world during that appointment," he said. Luckily, his wife was present to absorb the details.

Surgical Decision and Emotional Toll

After further investigation, doctors discovered a two-centimetre tumour in his left kidney with arteries wrapped around it. A specialist in Watford advised against a partial nephrectomy due to the risk of bleeding, leading Paul to opt for a total nephrectomy to remove the entire kidney.

One of the most heart-breaking aspects was informing his eldest son Jaiden, then studying for his GCSEs. "We sat in the garden with him and told him I was going in for an operation, reassuring him I would come back home. It was obviously heart-breaking. He knew it was bad," Paul recollected.

Recovery Through Walking and Counselling

Less than eight weeks after diagnosis, Paul underwent surgery on April 29. Despite concerns about rising blood pressure, he returned home within days, determined to maintain normality for his children. Walking and counselling played crucial roles in his recovery, with Kidney Cancer UK providing invaluable support.

"Initially I tried to put off counselling, like many men do, but it's one of the best things I have ever done. I would go for walks during my sessions while talking on the phone, so walking became my therapy," Paul explained.

Charity Walks and Personal Milestones

Driven to prove his resilience, Paul completed an Ultra Challenges Winter Walk in London, covering 26 miles just nine months post-surgery. This event raised around £2,500 for Kidney Cancer UK and held emotional significance as it was the last time he saw his father before his passing.

"Within less than a year, I had been diagnosed with cancer, had surgery, completed the walk challenge, and lost my dad," he shared, reflecting on the tumultuous period.

Ongoing Mental and Physical Journey

Even after being given the all-clear in spring 2025 and requiring yearly scans, Paul admits the shock remains. "We are still processing it every single day. It's still such a shock. Mentally, there's good days and bad days," he said.

He has since undertaken four more charity walks and plans to tackle The Three Peaks challenge and a marathon. These endurance challenges have provided a positive focus and connected him with others who have faced similar experiences.