Aberdeen's Angus MacDonald reveals he 'switched off' from football following bowel cancer diagnosis

Aberdeen Football Club's Angus MacDonald is sharing his life changing story when he was diagnosed with bowel cancer at the age of 26.

The defender is now working with Clan Cancer Support to highlight his diagnosis and hopes to encourage people to get their symptoms checked early. 

He discusses how he felt when he found out the news as he had previously hidden his symptoms after a doctor told him his health problems could mean never playing football again. 

Angus previously had a blood clot in his lung aged 15 as well as experiencing colitis and inflammation in his stomach. 

He was later treated for a blood clot in his legs which revealed his diagnosis. 

The defenders cancer journey had been what he describes as a 'lucky one' as he successfully completed treatment and made a full recovery. 

However, he explained it was hard to focus on the future and if he would ever return to football as he was all about the 'next step'.

Angus has since launched his own foundation, The Angus MacDonald Foundation, to highlight the important of early diagnosis, particularly in young people under the age of 30. 

He's also been keen to work with Clan since joining the Dons in 2023 as he believes they are vital in supporting people and their families. 

According to Cancer Research UK, the rate of bowel cancer in under 50s has increased by around 50% since the mid-1990s.

It is estimated that one in 15 men and one in 18 women will be diagnosed with it during their lifetime. 

Angus will share his own cancer journey and highlight the services available from Clan Cancer Support at a public event at Clan House on Thursday, April 20, organised by the charity as part of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month.  

In order to attend, you must complete a registration form to sign up.