A YATE school teacher has spoken about his battle with cancer in a bid to save more men from the disease.

Nigel Yea, a science and biology teacher at Brimsham Green School, was diagnosed with Oesophageal Cancer in July last year after experiencing problems eating.

Mr Yea, 57, thought he just had inflammation but his wife Yesmin made him go for a check-up.

He said: "I had regurgitation problems for about six months and even the doctor thought it was just inflammation.

"Then one day at work I was eating a sandwich and it just got stuck half way down. I told my wife about it and she said you have to go back to the doctor.

"I had an endoscopy in July and my operation was in December."

Mr Yea, who lives in Brimsham Park, said everything happened so quickly.

"It was a complete shock," he said. "I hadn’t considered it would be cancer at all and when I found out I didn’t know what my life was going to be like.

"But I came out of hospital the day before Christmas Eve and I am on the road to recovery.

"I have my hair back which helps you feel normal again. Internally I am making good progress and externally I am feeling very positive."

Mr Yea said he hoped to go back to work in September and now wants to do as much as he can to encourage more men to get checked out.

He is supporting Macmillan Cancer Support’s campaign to make more men aware of the threat of cancer.

Men are 40 percent more likely to die from cancer than women and there is a 16 percent higher risk that they will develop the disease. But in a survey conducted for the campaign, one in three men said they would rather walk down the street or get their chest waxed than ask for help.

"I think there is a typical male attitude not to do anything about it but if there is a problem please get it checked out," said Mr Yea.

"If you catch it early enough you might be absolutely fine and have a good quality of life."

Macmillan regional director Steve Richards said: "Despite making up half the population, men can often be overlooked when talking about cancer.

"We want men to know that there is a wealth of help out there for them, whether they are directly affected by cancer or are caring for someone. We offer practical information on every aspect of cancer. They can talk privately with a nurse or to a professional on 0808 808 00 00 as well as finding out information via our website, www.macmillan.org.uk"

Mr Yea said he wanted to thank Macmillan for the support they have given him and his family throughout his treatment.

"I don’t think we could have got through it without them," he said. "They were there from the first time my doctor told me it was cancer and every time I go for a consultation.

"The support they have given my wife has been incredible. They are not intrusive at all but just there if you need to ask a question, even if it quite trivial. "

He added: "My family, friends and colleagues have also shown me so much support. It is amazing really."