This Aussie Man's Cancer Came Back 10 Times In 7 Years And He Survived!

Image Credits: Instagram/@Blake Ashworth

Updated Mar 5, 2025 | 04:55 PM IST

This Aussie Man's Cancer Came Back 10 Times In 7 Years And He Survived!

SummaryBlake Ashworth battled cancer 12 times in 7 years, with 10 tumors in his brain. His resilience, optimism, and humor kept him going as he raised funds for cancer research.

At just 28 years of age, Blake Ashworth faced a battle that few can only imagine. Diagnosed with an incredibly rare type of cancer, the Perth-born man has battled 10 instances of the disease in seven years. But despite it all, he has never lost his optimism, using humor and determination to battle a relentless foe.

His journey is not merely an account of endurance but a testament of the resilience of positivity amid life-threatening challenges. His unwavering determination, combined with a remarkable desire to survive, has left medical experts stunned and inspiring countless others battling cancer.

Blake was leading a normal, active life, full of work, sport, and aspirations for a professional footy career. He was healthy, fit, strong and like most young men of his age, felt invincible. But a series of headaches that became progressively worse soon shattered that illusion.

At first, the headaches were more of a nuisance, but once they got excruciating and he began to lose balance, his mother told him that he needed to go see a doctor. The CT scan confirmed shattering news: a tumor in his brain. Weeks before he turned 21, he had been diagnosed with the life-changing condition—germ cell tumor, an abnormally rare type of cancer that usually arises in the testicles but in him had developed in his brain.

In spite of the gravity of the situation, Blake's initial reaction was to shield his loved ones from fear. "I realized if I was happy and joking around, everyone else would calm down too. It became my coping mechanism," he remembers.

After a long 12-hour brain surgery, radiation, and months of rehabilitation, Blake was set on moving on. But life had other ideas.

Just as he was getting his strength back, he started developing intense back pain. Scans showed three additional tumors on his spine. However, instead of allowing fear to get the better of him, he concentrated on what was important—his sister's wedding. Doctors postponed his treatment so he could enjoy with his family before he again underwent intensive chemotherapy and radiation.

But the cancer remained resilient. It reappeared for the third time, again in his brain. His doctors were again perplexed. Blake was informed that he was one of a mere two individuals on earth to have undergone this unusual kind of cancer reappearance in the brain.

Instead of letting this news crush his spirit, he focused his energy on keeping his positivity. When told that he might end up in a wheelchair, he immediately started thinking about how he could train for the Paralympics.

What Role Positivity Played in Blake's Healing Journey?

Over seven years, Blake battled cancer 10 times, enduring 17 tumors in total—nine in his brain and one in his spine. Each time, he approached the grueling rounds of chemotherapy and radiation with humor and gratitude. He found solace in small victories—breaks between treatments, spending time with family, and even enjoying a beer with friends.

"Not once did I waste time contemplating what would have happened if the cancer returned," Blake says. "I only thought about what beer I'd have next. I'm not a 'what if' sort of person at all."

His response to adversity has confounded expectations. While most people expect him to be bitter or negative, Blake insists on viewing his life as an adventure. "I call myself fortunate. The fact that I'm alive is more than enough to be thankful for. I'm glad it was me and not the person I love."

Blake's tale is one that defies medical reason. Physicians still do not know why his cancer continues to recur, but Blake does not see much sense in worrying about the "why." Rather, he lives in the moment, intent on living his life to the fullest.

In 2024, having defeated cancer for the 11th time, he was diagnosed for the 12th time. But he won't let cancer claim him. Having a claimed "11-0 unbeaten record" over cancer, he keeps fighting, not only for himself but for others enduring similar struggles.

Rather than withdrawing into despair, he has taken it upon himself to fund-raise for cancer research, spreading awareness and hope on his platform. His story is an inspiration for resilience to cancer patients across the globe.

If You Are Equally Awe-Struck, Lessons To Take From Blake's Journey

Blake Ashworth's story is not just a medical miracle—it is a lesson in perspective, perseverance, and gratitude. His story teaches us that:

Positivity is an effective weapon: A positive mind can be a game-changer when dealing with adversity.

Support systems are key: Family and friends, plus a sense of humor, aided Blake in his ability to endure his treatments.

Life is what you make of it: Amidst his fight, Blake finds that he keeps his life focused as an adventuresome journey in lieu of tragedy.

His skill at reframing even the toughest situations has paid off not just to allow him to survive, but thrive. For anyone who is battling their own struggle, be it cancer or another adversity, Blake's story is an example of overcoming: optimism, resilience, and a sense of humor can be the strongest strength.

As Blake presses on, fighting his battle, he is a beacon of hope for those afflicted by disease. He has beat the odds countless times, showing that despite the most impossible of circumstances, the human spirit can overcome.

For Blake, life isn't about focusing on the obstacles—it's about embracing every second. And if history is any guide, cancer will come back, but so will his strength. After all, as he views it, the glass is always half-full.

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