I thought I had just hurt myself at football but in reality the truth was much worse
He has since raised over £13,000 for the Bone Cancer Research Trust
'INCREDIBLE SHOCK' I thought I had just hurt myself at football but in reality the truth was much worse
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A MAN says football saved his life after a groin injury during a match led to his bone cancer diagnosis.
Jason Deans, 38, a semi-professional footballer, suffered the injury during a game and decided to go to the GP after weeks of "pain and discomfort".
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Jason Deans in hospital after his diagnosis
Credit: SWNS
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He said football saved his life after an injury during a match led to his cancer diagnosis
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Jason's last run before major surgery
Credit: SWNS
An MRI scan later revealed a 5cm tumour in his pelvis area and, after a biopsy, he was told he had chondrosarcoma - a type of bone cancer.
He underwent surgery six weeks later, which saw 10 cm of his pelvis removed, and despite the surgery's success, the former sportsman had to "relearn how to walk and run".
But now thanks to the support of his wife, Nicola, 38, and two children, Caris, 11, and Caelan, six, on Sunday, April 27, Jason completed the London Marathon, running the 26-mile route in 3 hours 46 minutes.
He has since raised over £13,000 for the Bone Cancer Research Trust.
Jason, a full-time recruitment manager from Falkirk, Scotland, said: "It was my hardest battle.
"When I received my diagnosis, I didn't think I'd get back to my usual fit self.
It felt like a hand grenade went off in my life.
I just couldn't believe it. All I kept thinking was how I was going to tell my family that I have cancer
Jason Deans
"It was an incredible shock, but I knew I had to keep fighting for my family.
"I had a strong support system around me who helped me to walk and run again.
"Completing the London Marathon with my fastest time ever was just incredible.
"I feel like nothing is impossible now."
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Jason was diagnosed with chondrosarcoma in February 2021 after an MRI revealed a 5cm tumour in his pelvis.
He had suffered a "groin injury" during a football game in September 2020, which prompted a visit to the doctors.
"It felt like a hand grenade went off in my life," he said.
"I just couldn't believe it.
"All I kept thinking was how I was going to tell my family that I have cancer."
Chondrosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer and can affect any part of the body.
Although the general prognosis is good, those with higher grades face a 60 per cent survival rate after five years.
It was my hardest battle... It was an incredible shock, but I knew I had to keep fighting for my family
Jason Deans
Jason had a grade I tumour and in March 2021, the mass was successfully removed along with 10 cm of his pelvis.
He remained in hospital for 11 days afterwards, and on April 19, 2021, was told he was cancer-free.
"It was a very difficult experience," Jason said.
"I was rarely allowed visitors in the hospital, and all I wanted was to see my family.
"But to hear I was cancer-free was extremely liberating.
"From then on, I started setting myself small goals that were important to me.
What is Chondrosarcoma and what are the symptoms?
Chondrosarcoma is a type of primary bone cancer (also called bone sarcoma).
Sarcomas are rare cancers that develop in the supporting tissues of the body. Supporting tissues include bone, cartilage, tendons, fat and muscle.
Symptoms of chondrosarcoma
Pain is the most common symptom of bone cancer, including chondrosarcoma. But symptoms may vary, depending on what part of the body the cancer is in.
The area may be: swollen
painful when touched
Primary bone cancer is sometimes found when a bone breaks after a minor fall or accident. This is because it has been weakened by the cancer.
Most of the time, these symptoms are caused by other conditions that are more common than bone cancer. But if you have any swelling or unexplained bone pain, get it checked by your GP.
Tell your GP if the pain happens at night and when you are resting.
Credit: MacMillan
"And I never wanted to take life for granted again."
Jason described the recovery process as a "complete struggle", and for two months, the former sportsman relied on walking aids to get around as he "couldn't run or walk".
He added: "I just didn't feel like myself. But I tried not to push myself and I kept fighting."
It wasn't until May 2021 that Jason completed his first solo walk, and August when he took on his first kilometre run.
Jason began setting goals for longer distances, 5km in February 2022, and a half marathon in October 2024.
"There were a few mental blocks along the way and a few times when I was close to giving up," he said.
To hear I was cancer-free was extremely liberating. From then on, I started setting myself small goals that were important to me. I never wanted to take life for granted again
Jason Deans
One particular challenge was in January 2024, when the right side of his hip got stuck in his pelvis.
"I was out for six months, and it was a dark time," he added.
"I often thought if I was ever going to run again."
Despite this, Jason never let it get him down and began training for the marathon 22 weeks in advance.
He shaved eight minutes off his personal best after competing in the London Marathon in 2017.
Jason dedicated the run to Andy's bones fund - a branch of the Bone Cancer Research Trust - and raised £13,000.
"It was the most incredible feeling," he said.
"I was just thinking about my friends and family to help me push through.
"My body was aching and I was shedding tears. But I hope my efforts get us a step closer to finding a cure for chondrosarcoma."
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Jason completed the London Marathon last month in just 3 hours 46 minutes
Credit: SWNS
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