A young woman who received a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis had her symptoms dismissed 13 times by doctors.
Milli Tanner was repeatedly told that she was ‘too young’ too have cancer, having first complained of her symptoms when she was just 19, following in the footsteps of several other teens and young adults who have faced the same problems with healthcare in the NHS.
Bowel cancer can present itself among younger patients, with another woman diagnosed at just 26, but in Milli’s case, things reached a life-threatening level after doctors allegedly failed to take her and her health struggles seriously.
She first went to he local GP in June 2021 complaining of stomach pains, lower back pain and blood in her stool, but was told that she either had piles, period problems or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Ms tanner said of her first visit to the GP: ‘”hey said that maybe I’d had a night out, had too much to drink, and that was irritating my stomach.
“But the bleeding carried on,as well as the abdominal pain… it was continuous.
“There were discussions at the GP, such as: could it be my periods? could it be this, could it be that?
“And I said: ‘No, usually with a period, it’s maybe you have a week every month with a bit of abdominal pain, and you obviously bleed, and that’s that, but you don’t tend to lose blood through your back passage.'”
She continued to struggle with symptoms and returned to the GP, but was told that she was likely suffering from piles, and that her tiredness stemmed from working late nights at the pub.
Though, she continued to bleed every time she went to the toilet and eventually took herself to A&E, where she was given the unhelpful advice to return to her GP.
she said: “I was also showing pictures of the amount of blood I was having – every time I went to the toilet I was bleeding.”I said: ‘It’s not a little bit of blood on the tissue, this is clots of blood and filling the toilet bowl up.’
“I asked for a second opinion. The doctor came back into the room and said: ‘Right, I’ve just spoken to another A&E department. You’re just too
Woman’s delayed Cancer Diagnosis Highlights importance of Patient Advocacy
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A woman is sharing her story after a delayed diagnosis of bowel cancer led to extensive treatment, including radiotherapy, surgery, and a permanent stoma. Her experience underscores the critical importance of patients advocating for themselves and persisting with healthcare providers when they feel something is wrong. She is now urging others to be proactive about their health and not dismiss symptoms, even when initially told they are too young for serious illness.
Delayed Diagnosis and Extensive Treatment
The woman faced a significant battle to receive a diagnosis, requiring at least 20 health appointments, including 13 visits to her general practitioner (GP) and a trip to the emergency room. During the A&E visit,she was initially told she was too young to have cancer. This initial dismissal contributed to a delay in diagnosis and subsequent, more aggressive treatment.
Ultimately, she was diagnosed with bowel cancer and underwent radiotherapy and surgery to remove the tumor. As a result of the treatment, she has been fitted with a permanent stoma – an opening in the abdomen that allows waste to be diverted from the bowels. What is a stoma?
impact on Fertility and Perimenopause
The cancer treatment has also induced perimenopause and potentially caused infertility, a notably heartbreaking outcome for someone who always envisioned being a mother.Perimenopause is the transitional period leading up to menopause, marked by fluctuating hormone levels and symptoms like irregular periods. Learn more about perimenopause. Cancer treatments, particularly chemotherapy and radiation, can damage the ovaries, leading to premature ovarian insufficiency and infertility. Cancer and Fertility
“You Know Your Own Body”
The woman’s powerful message to others is to trust their instincts and relentlessly pursue answers when they feel something is amiss. “you know your own body better than anybody else does,” she emphasized. “If it feels wrong, then keep going back until you find what is wrong.” This highlights the importance of patient agency and the need for healthcare providers to listen attentively to patient concerns.
Understanding Bowel Cancer Symptoms
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a common cancer affecting the large intestine. The American Cancer Society provides complete details on bowel cancer. Symptoms can vary, but common signs include:
* Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or a change in the consistency of stool)
* Blood in the stool, either visible or dark-colored
* Persistent abdominal discomfort (cramps, gas, pain)
* Feeling that the bowel doesn’t empty completely
* Unexplained weight loss
* Fatigue
It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other, less serious conditions. However, any persistent or concerning changes should be investigated by a doctor.
Key Takeaways
* Advocate for yourself: Don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion or continue questioning if your concerns aren’t being addressed.
* Trust your instincts: If something feels wrong with your body, don’t dismiss it.
* Be persistent: don’t give up on seeking a diagnosis, even if initial tests are inconclusive.
* Know the symptoms: Familiarize yourself with the potential signs of bowel cancer and other serious conditions.
* Early detection is crucial: Early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes for many cancers.
This woman’s story serves as a vital reminder of the importance of proactive healthcare and the power of patient advocacy. Continued awareness and open communication between patients and healthcare providers are essential for improving early diagnosis rates and ultimately saving lives.