Gyles Brandreth has revealed that doctors initially dismissed his grandson's cancer diagnosis, sharing his family's experience with the rare illness. The TV presenter reflected on the challenging period six years after his grandson Kitt was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare soft tissue sarcoma.
Kitt was diagnosed in April 2017 at 15 months old when his parents discovered a pea-shaped lump near his stomach. Brandreth's daughter, Saethryd, and her husband were initially told by a general practitioner that the lump was likely a cyst or hernia. However, further medical attention eventually confirmed it was cancer.
Speaking on the "Experience Is Everything with Saga" podcast, Brandreth recalled the initial anxiety and the first GP's dismissal of their concerns. "Fortunately, our daughter persists in anxiety and eventually does go against the rules and goes to A&E where they do take him more seriously," he said. Kitt was later treated at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Brandreth described the experience as his daughter's challenge, not his own, but emphasized the family's role in providing support. "We were impacted on it, but all we could do was help," he stated. He recounted the need to remain positive and avoid becoming overly emotional when visiting the hospital. "You had to get used to going into the hospital, he was in two hospitals, and not bursting into tears seeing all these little children with no hair and all of them so positive," Brandreth added.
Kitt underwent chemotherapy, which caused him to lose his hair, and received several blood and platelet transfusions. He also experienced a bacterial infection that affected his heart and liver. Brandreth previously shared that Kitt's diagnosis was a shock, as cancer is often associated with older individuals. He expressed reassurance upon hearing Kitt would be treated at Great Ormond Street due to its reputation.
Brandreth confirmed that Kitt has since received his five-year all-clear but continues to be monitored regularly. Fewer than 60 children in the UK are diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma each year.