CELEBRITY hairdresser Trevor Sorbie has died aged 75 after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.
The news comes just weeks after the award-winning Scottish stylist revealed on live TV that he had been diagnosed with bowel cancer, which then spread to his liver.
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Speaking on ITV’s This Morning, he said his surgeon would no longer operate as the tumour was too close to a major blood vessel.
In a now tragically prophetic statement, Trevor warned during the appearance that he “might not make it to Christmas.”
His death was confirmed today through posts on the celeb snipper’s social media accounts.
Trevor’s tumour was first discovered in 2019 – and he underwent a six-hour surgery to remove it.
Read more on bowel cancer
Unfortunately – despite just a five per cent chance of recurrence – the cancer came back and spread to his liver.
Recalling his first diagnosis, the businessman said, “I lost a lot of blood one night and was unusually disturbed about that.
“I went to the hospital, and they told me I had bowel cancer.”
Having blood in your poo or bleeding from your bottom are common symptoms of the disease – and ones many people are aware of.
But there are some lesser-known symptoms to know.
In the UK, bowel cancer is now the third most common cancer, with 44,000 Brits diagnosed each year.
Grim projections from Cancer Research UK also warned that 5,000 more Brits will get bowel cancer every year by 2040.
However, it’s also one of the most treatable forms of cancer—if caught early.
That’s why it’s essential to know all the signs of bowel cancer, including the lesser-known symptoms:
1. Unexplained weight loss
Sudden weight loss is often a symptom of several types of cancer, including bowel cancer.
Unintentional weight loss is the loss of 10 pounds or more in six months or less without knowing the reason.
According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, around 40 per cent of patients say that they had unexplained weight loss when they were first diagnosed.
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2. Tiredness
Breathlessness and tiredness are signs you could be ill with the disease, according to Cancer Research UK.
They can both be caused by lower-than-normal levels of red blood cells, known as anaemia medically.
Dr Richard Roope, of CRUK, said: “A symptom where we would encourage you to see your GP is if you notice that you’re excessively tired.
“So any tiredness, for instance where you might find you’re falling behind your friends when you’re out for a walk.
“If this can’t be explained for any good reason then it may be a sign of early bowel cancer.”
Trevor Sorbie ‘left an indelible mark on the world of hairdressing and beyond’
A post on Trevor Sorbie’s social media accounts said:
“It is with heartfelt emotion that we share the passing of our esteemed founder, Trevor Sorbie.
“Trevor passed away peacefully with his family and beloved dog by his side.
“Trevor’s journey, marked by unparalleled creativity and kindness, has left an indelible mark on the world of hairdressing and beyond.
“From pioneering The Wedge five decades ago to establishing our first salon in 1979, Trevor’s vision set new standards and continues to inspire generations.
“As we commemorate 45 years of Trevor Sorbie salons, we remain steadfast in upholding the passion, artistry, and dedication that he embodied.
“Trevor often reminded us to ‘be bold, be different, but always do everything in good taste’.
“His ethos of kindness, care, and excellence continues to guide us. He expressed immense pride in our team and confidence in our commitment to carrying forward his legacy.”
3. Pencils
Bowel cancer can often manifest itself in your bowel habits, changing the consistency of your poo and how often you need to go to the loo.
Cancer experts have warned passing “pencil poos” could be a sign you’re suffering from the cancer.
Dr Michael Cecchini, of Yale University, said arrow stools are a rare but “highly concerning” symptom of the deadly disease.
He said people with bowel cancer sometimes come into clinics saying they’ve noticed a change to their normal toilet routine.
Dr Cecchini told HuffPost: “Stools are much thinner, or they’re pencil in thickness and size, which is a description that some patients with colorectal cancer will have.
“When it exists, it is highly concerning. It’s just not one of the more common symptoms of the disease.”
However, it’s worth bearing in mind that any change to your poo can be a sign of the disease, such as having softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation that is not usual for you.
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Other signs
Other symptoms of the disease include needing to poo more or less often than usual for you and feeling like you need to poo, even if you’ve just been to the toilet
Doctors may be able to feel a lump in your rectum or tummy, usually on the right-hand side.
Pain in your tummy or back passage or even bloating. could also point to the disease.
GP Dr Zoe Williams said: “The best way to protect yourself is to be aware and watch out for the signs.
“They include bleeding from your bottom, blood in your poo, a persistent change in toilet habits, a pain or lump in your tummy, extreme tiredness and unexplained weight loss.
“If you experience any of these red flags, speak to your GP.”
Full list of bowel cancer symtoms
Symptoms of bowel cancer may include:
- Changes in your poo, such as having softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation that is not usual for you
- Needing to poo more or less often than usual for you
- Blood in your poo, which may look red or black
- Bleeding from your bottom
- Often feeling like you need to poo, even if you’ve just been to the toilet
- Tummy pain
- A lump in your tummy
- Bloating
- Losing weight without trying
- Feeling very tired for no reason
Bowel cancer can cause anaemia (when you have fewer red blood cells than usual), which can make you feel very tired, short of breath and have headaches.
It’s important to check in with your GP if you have any symptoms of bowel cancer for 3 weeks or more
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