Cockfosters-based David Olaniyi, 38, recent winner of ITV’s M&S: Dress the Nation, is using his platform to raise awareness about the harsh realities of bowel cancer, particularly in young people, after the tragic loss of his sister, Samantha, who died from the disease at just 14-years-old. Diagnosed at 11, Samantha’s fight against bowel cancer spanned three years and profoundly changed David’s perspective on health and family.
“We often think of cancer as something that only affects adults, but for my sister, it came years too early. Samantha was vibrant and bursting with life, she was the energetic middle child in our family. She was born three years after me, and we shared many interests, from sports to fashion. One of my most cherished memories is a talent show where we performed a dance together. It was a chance for us to shine, and people could see just how much fun we had.”
Samantha’s health issues began with symptoms that were initially dismissed, “She started fainting, experiencing headaches, and losing weight. At first, doctors attributed it to growing pains related to puberty. But I remember feeling deep down that there was more going on.”
Following a series of tests, it was discovered that Samantha’s cancer had already progressed to stage 4, “That diagnosis turned our lives upside down. The treatment involved chemotherapy, but it was brutal. Instead of healing her, it made her even sicker. She was in and out of hospitals, and we tried to keep her spirits up, but the situation was overwhelming.”
The emotional toll of Samantha’s condition was immense, not only for her but also for the entire family, “Our parents’ focus shifted primarily to her health. My siblings and I understood, but it was hard feeling neglected during such a critical time. We had to adapt, and I often felt like I had to grow up too quickly.”
Samantha passed away on her 14th birthday, a moment that left an indelible mark on David’s life, “Losing her was devastating. That event opened my eyes to the fragility of life and ignited this desire within me to be adventurous and seize opportunities. I say yes to things I might have otherwise hesitated about, whether it’s doing a TV show or exploring new creative avenues – because I live for her. She didn’t get the chance to experience these opportunities, so I embrace them for both of us.”
David’s journey continued as he was diagnosed with Lynch syndrome in 2016, a hereditary condition that significantly increases the risk of developing various cancers, most notably colorectal cancer, “When I was diagnosed, I felt an emotional wave wash over me. Learning about Lynch syndrome also meant realising that my family has a genetic predisposition to this illness. My mother has polyps, and two of my aunts have had bowel cancer. Awareness is crucial because it can affect future generations.”
Lynch syndrome is an inherited condition caused by mutations in mismatch repair (MMR) genes, leading to a higher risk of several types of cancer, including bowel cancer. According to Cancer Research UK, Black individuals in the UK face the highest rates of bowel cancer compared to other ethnic groups and often experience later-stage diagnoses, leading to worse outcomes. Moreover, bowel cancer is one of the fastest-growing cancers among those aged under 50.
“As a Black man, these statistics hit close to home. Understanding the reality of Lynch syndrome allows me to be proactive in my health. I need regular checks every two years to monitor for any changes.”
Statistics reveal that families with Lynch syndrome have a 50% chance of passing the genetic mutation to their offspring, “If I decide to have children in the future, IVF will be necessary to select embryos without the mutation. It’s a serious consideration and a weighty responsibility.”
David’s aim is to use his public profile to highlight the need for awareness and proactive health management, “We have to fight stigma and misunderstandings about cancer, particularly among young people. It’s essential to encourage open conversation about health within families, especially among those who may feel reluctant to speak up.”
David Olaniyi has had a remarkable journey from performing in West End musicals to winning M&S: Dress the Nation last year. He trained at the National Theatre and worked on Savile Row before his rise to prominence on the first series of the ITV reality TV show.
Through sharing his personal story, David seeks not only to honour Samantha’s legacy but also to empower others to be proactive about health issues that may impact their lives, “I carry the weight of my sister’s memory with me, and I hope that sharing our story inspires change and brings awareness to these critical conversations. Please prioritise your health and don’t shy away from health checks, even when they feel invasive. Early detection saves lives. It’s crucial to have those difficult conversations, whether it’s with family or healthcare providers. Samantha’s story and my own experiences have shown me that we cannot remain ignorant of these health issues.”
