A woman found out she had incurable cancer after being misdiagnosed with IBS.
Claire O’Shea, 41, was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) after months of discomfort.
However, when on holiday in Turkey Claire went to a masseuse who noticed a lump in her abdomen and noted that it may have a more serious cause and advised she should get it checked.
She was referred for a scan a few days after returning from her holiday but was told that she had benign fibroids- noncancerous growth.
The lump ended up growing to the size of a grapefruit by the time it was removed which was eight months after being diagnosed with benign fibroids. A biopsy was carried out on the mass only to discover it was uterine leiomyosarcoma – a cancer of the soft tissue in her uterus.
The Welsh government said targeted support for gynaecological cancer services has been introduced.
But a Senedd committee report found women’s cancer concerns are “dismissed, downplayed and unheard” and described a “dangerous bias” against women that needs to be stamped out.
“The prognosis is generally 12-18 months because it’s so rare, there’s not a lot of research into it and women generally get diagnosed later,” said Claire.
She asked for her medical records, which indicated the presence of numerous cysts on her liver. Following her request, additional scans were conducted, uncovering that cancer had progressed to her liver, lungs, and hip bone.
Following a hysterectomy a year ago, Claire went through six rounds of chemotherapy. As of now, her tumour has stabilised, and an upcoming Christmas scan will determine the subsequent steps.
“I’ve been clear for 12 months and currently feel quite healthy, surpassing my initial prognosis, which is promising,” Claire remarked.
Claire’s case serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact misdiagnosis can have on an individual’s health and life. The challenges Claire faced underscore broader issues in women’s healthcare, as highlighted by the Senedd committee report revealing the dismissal and downplaying of women’s cancer concerns. The report emphasises the need to address a “dangerous bias” against women in the healthcare system and advocates for improved support and awareness in gynaecological cancer services.
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