Fans of a popular band have been hit with devastating news after a beloved bassist has revealed he is battling incurable stage-4 cancer that bandmates say came as a ‘complete shock’
A 29-year-old musician has been diagnosed with stage four colorectal cancer – also known as bowel cancer – that has spread to his liver and lymph nodes.
Jordan Brunoli, the 29-year-old bassist from Brisbane’s rock trio Bugs, has been battling the disease that is now deemed incurable. In a heart-wrenching statement on their social media, the band described his diagnosis as completely unexpected.
His bandmates explained that after months of suffering intense pain, Jordan finally underwent scans that revealed the aggressive disease. He has since undergone major surgery to remove tumours and has had a stoma fitted, but as the cancer has spread it’s no longer treatable.
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On his GoFundMe page, Jordan explained how his life changed overnight after receiving the diagnosis.
He urged his fans – especially younger people – not to overlook health symptoms: “Getting a diagnosis now could be the difference in a stage 1 tumor or stage 4 metastatic.”
News initially broke of his illness in June, with the cancer rapidly spreading. “Not to be preachy, but if you have witnessed any blood in your stool, experienced weird abdominal pains, unexplained weight loss, or extended periods of fatigue – don’t be afraid to raise it with your GP and ask for an abdominal ultrasound,” Jordan told fans on Instagram.
“I thought I was too young, but there has been a recent increase in instances of colorectal cancer in people under 30.”
Despite his illness, Jordan is gradually returning to familiar routines – he’s driving again, spending time with friends, and even picking up his bass guitar, calling music his “therapeutic happy place.”
His GoFundMe campaign has already raised more than £47,000 ($100,000 AUD), with contributions going toward specialist appointments, medication, treatments, and equipment essential to his care.
Plans are now in motion for a benefit concert in Brisbane – “Saving a Bug’s Life” – featuring local bands at The Tivoli this October to raise further funds.
The fundraiser, set up by his bandmates, says: “Our best friend and bass player Jordan Brunoli has been diagnosed with incurable stage four colorectal cancer. At just 29 years of age this has come as a huge shock to his family and loved ones.
“Whilst he is back at home for the moment after being discharged from hospital, the prospect of chemo and future surgeries have been flagged by doctors.
“Considering the ongoing costs that specialist appointments, medical treatments, medicines and quality of life assistance have the potential to amount to – we are asking for financial help to support him and his partner, through this period.
“He is an incredible son, loving partner and lifelong friend to many. He has always been a dedicated and hardworking civil leading hand at Ventia, taking pride in his role and the people he worked with every day.”
Symptoms of bowel cancer
Symptoms of bowel cancer may include:
- changes in your poo, such as having softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation that is not usual for you
- needing to poo more or less often than usual for you
- blood in your poo, which may look red or black
- bleeding from your bottom
- often feeling like you need to poo, even if you’ve just been to the toilet
- tummy pain
- a lump in your tummy
- bloating
- losing weight without trying
- feeling very tired or short of breath – these are signs of anaemia, which can be caused by bowel cancer