Chris Buxton of Manchester-based The Covasettes
The lead singer of Manchester-based four piece The Covasettes has shared an important message following a cancer diagnosis, Getintothis’ Lauren Wise reports.
There are plenty of messages music can help deliver; whether it’s a cry for help, a call for political rebellion or simply the creation of an unheard of sound.
For 22-year-old Chris Buxton, lead vocalist and guitarist of Mancunian four-piece The Covasettes, all his message required was a simple Facebook post.
The musician shared his story in a candid post via the social media platform on Sunday night.
In it he explained how he had to be rushed to emergency surgery after being diagnosed with suspected testicular cancer.
Chris said: “This was a massive shock to me, as I had no real symptoms apart from a lump which I had ignored and not wanted to get checked out, as like most people I’d just hoped it would go away and ‘sort itself out’, which it didn’t.
While the frontman is on the mend following his ordeal, his begrudging attitude towards getting checked meant it could have been a different story.
Now he hopes that sharing the message will encourage other men to be more proactive when it comes to health.
He said: “Cancer is something which both affects and applies to us all, and if caught early (like mine) is often treatable. So please, don’t be afraid, check yourselves and get anything you’re not sure about looked at, I’m glad I did!”
Liverpool music gig guide: Seatbelts, Deep Cuts, Hey Charlie and more…
Chris Buxton of Manchester-based The Covasettes recently underwent surgery following a cancer diagnosis
Speaking to Getintothis following the post, Chris explained that the band will be touring from this Saturday.
He said: “It’s business as usual for us and everything will be going ahead as planned!”
The Covasettes will play at The Head of Steam this Saturday (February 16) in Newcastle. They’ll be making their way to Liverpool’s Zanzibar Club on Saturday March 16.
Read the full statement posted on The Covasettes’ Facebook page below.
“Usually I like to keep our socials upbeat as none of us take ourselves very seriously, but I’m also a big believer in using any platform you have to do good and to help others, so here it goes!
“A few weeks ago, after various scans and meetings, I was told that I would have to undergo emergency surgery to remove a lump, which was suspected to be testicular cancer.
“This was a massive shock to me, as I had no real symptoms apart from a lump which I had ignored and not wanted to get checked out, as like most people I’d just hoped it would go away and ‘sort itself out’, which it didn’t.
The Covasettes
“Fortunately for me, the surgery went well, the lump was removed and I was given the all clear and I am now on my way to being fully recovered, however, during my short time in hospital I quickly learned that some aren’t so fortunate.
“Despite all this, I want to treat this experience as a positive one and I want to use it to encourage others to check themselves regularly and to get anything abnormal checked by a doctor, no matter how strange or embarrassing it may be!
“Cancer is something which both affects and applies to us all, and if caught early (like mine) is often treatable. So please, don’t be afraid, check yourselves and get anything you’re not sure about looked at, I’m glad I did!
“Chris x”
On their tour, The Covasettes will play:
Saturday, February 16: Head of Steam, Newcastle
Sunday, February 17: The Tavern, Blyth
Saturday, February 23: The Finsbury, London
Friday, March 1: Cafe Totem, Sheffield
Thursday, March 7: Stirlings Bar, Birmingham
Friday, March 8: Rough Trade, Bristol
Saturday, March 9: Bread Shed, Manchester
Sunday, March 14: Lending Room, Leeds
Tuesday, March 18: The Zanzibar, Liverpool
[paypal-donation]
