‘Doctors found a tumour when I got my West End break’

He added: “It was one of the darkest, hardest, toughest periods ever in my life that I had to go through – an open surgery to remove half my lung.

“But whilst I was going through everything, my burning desire to still perform in the West End has always been there.”

Currently clear of cancer, Mr Nurden said: “The ultimate goal now is to really get strong, fighting fit and audition and hopefully, hopefully, get back into the West End one day.”

In 2020, the results of a large-scale systematic review were published, which suggested that delaying cancer surgery might increase the chance of death from the illness.

A study by researchers from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, King’s College London and Queen’s University, Canada, suggests a four-week delay in treating some cancers could result in a 10% increase in the risk of dying.

Claire Taylor, chief nursing officer at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “When diagnosed and treated early, it’s more likely that cancer will be successfully treated.

“But everyone’s experience with cancer is personal to them and the care people receive should revolve around their own health needs, who they are and what they need to manage their treatment well.”

She added: “Following a cancer diagnosis there can be a lot to get your head around and we’d urge anyone who has concerns or questions about their treatment to speak to their medical team to understand the benefits and risks of different options and work out the best route for them.”