Kev Johns MBE, renowned for his larger-than-life persona and recent portrayal of Dame Penny Pockets in Swansea Grand Theatre’s ‘Cinderella’, is already anticipating his next exuberant pantomime dame role. However, just over a year ago, this prospect was clouded by uncertainty. A cancer diagnosis cast a shadow over his future, leaving Kev Johns to confront the possibility of never again gracing the stage in his iconic roles.
Despite his naturally optimistic disposition – a trait he affectionately calls “a Kev thing” – Johns candidly admits to moments of profound fear during his cancer journey. In quiet car rides, the thought that the disease might rob him of precious time with his grandchildren was a heavy burden. Cancer had tragically impacted his family before, claiming the lives of his father, uncle, and grandmother. While medical professionals offered initial optimism, the diagnosis inevitably triggered anxieties about the worst possible outcomes.
Last March, seeking to create lasting memories amidst the uncertainty, Kev Johns accessed his pension funds to take his family on a trip to Disneyland Paris. This joyous occasion was physically challenging, with short walks requiring frequent rests. However, following the incredible news of being declared cancer-free at the end of 2023, Kev Johns now eagerly looks forward to revisiting Disneyland. He plans to walk down Main Street and visit Cinderella’s castle once more, a personal testament to his recovery and renewed health.
Kev Johns’ story poignantly illustrates how a cancer diagnosis can disrupt any life. A lifelong Swansea City supporter, Johns found strength in the club’s ‘Tackling Cancer Together’ campaign, a partnership with Maggie’s cancer support charity. This initiative inspired him to publicly share his personal battle for the first time at a fans’ forum in the autumn.
Recounting the beginning of his journey, Kev Johns explains, “I’d gone for a routine blood test and visited my GP for the results. They indicated low iron levels, necessitating further tests. An endoscopy followed, revealing ‘an area we couldn’t really see, a bit of a shadow there’.” This led to a CT scan, which Johns initially didn’t think much of. However, the following day brought a life-altering phone call.
“The phone rang with a withheld number,” Kev Johns recalls. “It was the doctor, calling with the scan results. She asked if I was alone, and upon learning my wife was present, she delivered the news: ‘We have spotted something on your kidney, and we think it’s a tumour.’ When I asked if it was cancerous, the answer was yes.”
Further biopsies confirmed the diagnosis. Kev Johns then met with an oncologist who delivered the devastating words, “There’s nothing we can do.” Secondary lesions had been discovered on his lungs, precluding immediate surgery. However, hope emerged in the form of immunotherapy.
“I was informed from the outset that immunotherapy is a game-changer in cancer treatment,” Kev Johns states. “And it truly is, it’s remarkable.” Remarkably, after just the first course of treatment, scans revealed his lungs were clearing, and the tumour was shrinking. Subsequent scans showed complete resolution of the lung lesions, paving the way for surgery.
“My lungs cleared, and I was then able to undergo surgery to remove the tumour,” Kev Johns explains. “I was admitted on a Friday morning, had the operation on Friday afternoon, and was discharged home just 48 hours later.” Incredibly, within two weeks of surgery, Kev Johns was on stage at the Maggie’s Ball at Swansea Arena, courageously sharing his story publicly for only the second time, the first being at the Swansea City fans’ forum.
Now, Kev Johns shares the most uplifting news: “My latest scan – my first post-surgery scan – showed no signs of cancer anywhere.” His journey is a powerful testament to the effectiveness of modern cancer treatments and the resilience of the human spirit.
