Belgian Politician Sami Mahdi Shares His Cancer Scare
Belgian politician Sami Mahdi has spoken about a frightening medical discovery he experienced as a teenager, using his personal story to encourage people to take possible cancer symptoms seriously.
When Mahdi was 18, he suffered from stomach pain. At his mother’s insistence, he underwent a medical examination, including a colonoscopy. Although doctors did not find an explanation for his pain, they discovered a growth in his colon.
According to Mahdi, the doctor told him that the growth was not dangerous at the time but could potentially have become cancerous if it had been left untreated for another 10 years.
The experience stayed with him long after the procedure.
Sami Mahdi Urges People Not to Ignore Cancer Symptoms
Mahdi shared his story in a Facebook post published around World Cancer Day on February 4. At the time, he was serving as Belgium’s secretary of state for asylum and migration.
He explained that hearing reports about colorectal cancer among younger adults reminded him of the doctor’s warning and how fortunate he had been to discover the growth early.
Mahdi also spoke about losing his grandmother and several friends to the disease, explaining why the issue remained deeply personal to him.
He said he continued to undergo regular bowel examinations at the hospital, reportedly every five years.
For Mahdi, the message was clear: people should not ignore symptoms or postpone medical appointments out of fear or inconvenience.
What Is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer is cancer that develops in the colon or rectum, which form part of the digestive system.
It can develop from polyps, small growths on the inner lining of the bowel. Some polyps can become cancerous over time, although not every polyp develops into cancer.
The disease can develop without obvious symptoms in its early stages. This is one reason screening is important, especially for people in the recommended age groups.
Possible warning signs include:
- Blood in the stool.
- Persistent changes in bowel habits.
- Unexplained abdominal pain.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Ongoing fatigue that may be related to anemia.
These symptoms do not necessarily mean someone has cancer. However, anyone experiencing concerning or persistent symptoms should contact a doctor rather than wait for a routine screening invitation.
How to Get Screened for Colon Cancer in Belgium?
Belgium offers organized colorectal cancer screening programs for eligible residents, with arrangements managed at the regional level.
In Flanders, men and women aged 50 to 74 are invited to complete a free stool test every two years. The test looks for traces of blood that may indicate a problem requiring further investigation.
In Wallonia and Brussels, screening programs also offer testing to eligible people in the recommended age group, although the procedures for receiving and returning a test may differ.
If a screening test is positive, a doctor may recommend a colonoscopy to investigate the cause.
People younger than 50 should not assume they are safe from colorectal cancer. Anyone with symptoms, a strong family history or other significant risk factors should discuss appropriate testing with a healthcare professional.
Why Early Detection Matters?
Finding colorectal cancer early can improve the chances of successful treatment. Screening can also identify certain polyps before they develop into cancer.
However, routine screening is intended primarily for people who do not have symptoms. It is not a substitute for medical evaluation when symptoms are present.
Mahdi’s experience illustrates why it is important to seek medical advice when something does not feel right, even at a young age.
A Personal Story With a Public Health Message
Mahdi’s account was a reminder that cancer can affect people and families in many different ways. His message was not to panic about every symptom, but to avoid ignoring warning signs or delaying necessary medical care.
His story also highlights the value of listening to medical advice and following up when doctors recommend further examinations.
For people living in Belgium, the practical message is simple: take part in recommended screening, speak to a doctor about concerning symptoms, and do not wait for a routine test if you believe something may be wrong.
