Sibling rivalry extends to surgery stitches

Friday 21 April 2023

Two brothers who were treated for oesophageal cancer at the same time - going through one of the most invasive surgeries done on island - are both now on their way to remission.

The Medical Specialist Group has described Peter and Mick Crowther as "a smiling success story".

Their story starts almost two years ago, in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, when the two men were given news that anyone would dread to hear.

Within months of each other they were both told "you’ve got cancer". Those words started a near-identical journey for the brothers.

The MSG says that the men had the same type of cancer of the gullet which was unusual as it is not commonly found to have a familial factor. However, men are more likely to develop oesophageal cancer than women and there are other risk factors.

Both men were treated by MSG Consultant Upper GI Surgeon Mr Michael Van Den Bossche with chemotherapy to shrink the tumours, before surgery.

He said that the Crowther brothers were unusual patients in another way as both men were in good health, and have recovered well from their treatment.

“Peter and Mick were quite unique patients of mine, it’s not every day you treat siblings for the same type of cancer at the same time, particularly not oesophageal cancer, “ said Mr Van Den Bossche.

“Some cancers, like bowel cancer, are known to have a familial factor but it is quite unusual for oesophageal cancer. There are however certain risk factors such as smoking, drinking, acid reflux and obesity that can put people at a higher risk of developing the cancer. Men are also three to four times more likely to develop oesophageal cancer than women. 

“Unfortunately, most cases in the UK are not operable due to not being diagnosed early enough. Symptoms only tend to develop when the cancer is already fairly large and so patients become too frail to have major surgery or the cancer is too advanced to be cured. Symptoms include unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, choking, vomiting, coughing and a hoarse voice. 

“That was another fortunate similarity in Peter and Mick’s case, they were both in good health to have the surgery, known as an Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy. It’s one of the most invasive surgeries we do on the island.”

The Crowther brothers are both now more than a year post surgery and are taking part in a surveillance programme of regular CT scans and blood tests to ensure their cancer has not returned.

Both Mick and Peter say they are very pleased with the outcome.  

“It might be a bit strange to say, but I actually look back on the experience as an enjoyable period and a big reason for that is because of the brilliant care I received from the clinical team," said Mick Crowther.

Pictured: Mick Crowther during his chemotherapy treatment.

"Everyone treated me so well; I couldn’t fault a single thing. From start to finish, everything went very smoothly and ultimately couldn’t have hoped for a better outcome for me or my brother. I am very grateful to all the team particularly Mr Van Den Bossche and MSG oncologist Dr Manikyam, and to my wife who pushed me to go see the doctor in the first place."

Mick Crowther said some old fashioned sibling rivalry helped to keep his spirits up during their treatments.

“My sense of humour kept me in good spirits too. I was always laughing with the nursing team and creating some friendly brotherly competition between Peter and me. I joked with Mr Van Den Bossche that I knew my brother had 102 stitches after his surgery, so asked him to make sure I had more so I could say I won. As it happens, I did, just, at 106 stitches.” 

Peter Crowther agreed with his brother and said he also received expert care.

“I can only echo what Mick said. The team were just fantastic; the treatment was faultless, and I am immensely thankful to the MSG for their continued expert care.”