Man reveals bizarre symptom smelling cotton candy before receiving 'terrifying' cancer diagnosis
Steve Turnbull went to the doctors after noticing the bizarre symptom
Callum Jones
A British man has detailed a bizarre symptom of smelling cotton candy prior to be diagnosed with an aggressive and incurable form of cancer.
Steve Turnbull, 63, was diagnosed with a glioblastoma after months of strange smells, sickness, and problems with his vision and balance.
The dad-of-two first became unwell shortly after New Year's Day 2024, when he suddenly vomited after tasting gravy.
A few days later, he was hit by a wave of bizarre smells including candy floss - which left Steve in a state of confusion.
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"A few days after the gravy incident, I blew out a candle and was hit by a strange smell of candy floss," he said.
"Then I was sick again. That became the pattern.
"I also had vision problems. Around that time, I was referred to gastroenterology, but they dismissed it. We just didn't know what was going on."
After he noticed other symptoms like losing his balance, headaches and difficulty walking, an MRI scan revealed a brain tumor the size of a tennis ball.
Steve added: "Being diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor was a terrifying truth.
"If my story helps someone push for a scan when something feels wrong, it is worth telling.
"Even those early symptoms, like strange smells and sudden sickness, might make sense to someone else now."
While initially not thinking it was cancer, Steve's symptoms persisted to the point where he had a suspected stroke at his daughter's wedding.
Steve said: "I gave a speech and walked her down the aisle.
"By the evening, I was losing my balance, my speech was slurred, and one side of my mouth had drooped.
"I don't drink, so everyone knew something was seriously wrong."
While doctors initially suspected he had suffered a mini stroke, multiple tests came back clear. He was sent home more than once, despite worsening headaches and difficulty walking.
It wasn’t until he received an MRI scan in June last year that the cause became clear.
On top of having surgery, Steve went on to have 30 sessions of radiotherapy, alongside chemotherapy with temozolomide.
The cancer has progressed however, which lead to Steve beginning a second-line chemotherapy (PCV), which he completed in July 2025.
The Scot is currently awaiting the results of a follow-up MRI to determine next steps.
A fundraiser has been set up for 'Brain Tumor Research', while Steve's niece and nephew, Erin and Rhys, will also do the Edinburgh Marathon next year to fund vital research into glioblastoma.
Steve said: "It means everything to know others want to help.
"Research into brain tumours is so underfunded even though it's the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40.
"That needs to change. If my story helps someone push for a scan when something feels wrong, it is worth telling."