GT racer's drive to raise bowel cancer awareness after health scare
Michael Sheargold's world was turned upside down when alarm bells began to ring after a routine health check.
The GT World Challenge Australia driver was undergoing a mandatory examination to renew his racing licence when doctors noticed something off.
An anomaly in Sheargold's blood test results just two weeks ago led to a bowel cancer diagnosis.
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Swift action was taken and the racer was rushed into surgery.
Thankfully, an early detection and removal means his recovery prospects are positive.
Now, he's keen to spread the word – get checked early.
Michael Sheargold's Mercedes-AMG GT3 sporting the Bowel Cancer Australia logo. Rhys Vandersyde
Ahead of the fourth round of GT World Challenge Australia at Sydney Motorsport Park on July 28-30, Sheargold has unveiled a new look for his Mercedes-AMG GT3.
A white, red, and green livery sports the Bowel Cancer Australia logo on the door and bonnet.
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The car also carries the hashtag #N2YGT3, which references the organisation's 'Never2Young' initiative, raising awareness for early onset bowel cancer in people under 50.
"I'm feeling a bit sore and tired, but very happy and overwhelmed with the support from my family, friends and motorsport community, not to mention the care and support I've received from all the doctors and nurses," said Sheargold from his hospital bed.
"When I did the medical to renew my licence, the blood test detected low iron levels, so my GP suggested some further tests, which ultimately resulted in the cancer diagnosis."
Michael Sheargold is thankful Motorsport Australia rules required him to undertake a medical examination to renew his licence. Rhys Vandersyde
Had it not been for the health check required by Motorsport Australia, the cancer might have gone unnoticed.
"Normally, people don't commence regular bowel cancer screening until they reach 50, so it could have gone undiagnosed for a long time and ended up becoming far worse," he said.
"I really have my involvement in motorsport to thank for catching it at such an early stage."
The RAM Motorsport driver has pledged $50,000 to Bowel Cancer Australia via his foundation which he hopes will be matched.
"One in 10 new bowel cancer cases now occur in people under the age of 50," said associate professor Graham Newstead, Bowel Cancer Australia medical director.
"Younger people need to be aware of, and act on, these potential signs and symptoms and have them investigated so as to rule out bowel cancer as an underlying cause.
"Almost 99 per cent of bowel cancers can be successfully treated when detected early.
"We are grateful for the support of RAM Motorsport in raising awareness of early-onset bowel cancer and the importance of lowering the screening age."
Sheargold will race on the SpeedSeries bill at Queensland Raceway on August 11-13.
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