Cedric’s Story

“I wish that more people knew that bowel cancer does not discriminate by age, and that diagnosis can be delayed because neither patient nor doctor expect it. Symptoms can appear trivial, or mistaken for stress, or because of diet or lifestyle factors – and this can lead to fatal delays.”

Auckland creative and musician Cedric Rerehau was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer after months of worsening abdominal pain. Despite a strong family history of bowel cancer, his initial referral for a colonoscopy was declined. When the pain became unbearable, he presented to Auckland Hospital’s emergency department, where scans revealed a tumour in his colon and cancer that had already spread to his liver and lungs. The diagnosis confirmed his greatest fear – and changed the course of his life.

Cedric began chemotherapy and targeted therapy soon after. The treatments have been tough, bringing fatigue, nerve pain, and significant skin sensitivity. His hair loss and changing appearance were difficult to adjust to, but Cedric has faced each challenge with honesty and grace. He continues to channel his experience into creativity, returning to his early passions of writing and composing music – including a chamber opera he hopes to one day premiere at the Auckland Arts Festival.

Throughout his journey, Cedric has been supported by his partner, Guillem, and a close circle of friends who have surrounded him with care and compassion. He describes his medical team as extraordinary and credits them for helping him maintain hope and stability during the most difficult moments. “Cancer doesn’t just affect the patient, but also those around them” he says. “I am constantly being reminded of the goodness of people, and that even in this incredibly difficult period of my life I am surrounded by extraordinary love.”

Cedric hopes his story will inspire greater awareness of bowel cancer in younger people and encourage others to trust their instincts. “Please don’t ignore symptoms,” he says. “See your GP, and if you need to, push for further testing. If I can help even one person catch it earlier than I did, then sharing my story will have been worth it.”