A mother of three recently faced a heartbreaking situation after doctors overlooked her cancer symptoms, attributing them instead to a hernia. The reasoning seemed to hinge on the fact that she was “young and healthy,” which, unfortunately, proved to be a misguided assumption.
Lydia Southam, a 37-year-old from Stratford-upon-Avon, visited her general practitioner (GP) ten times, reporting painful periods, a noticeable lump in her abdomen, bloating, and frequent urination. Each time, her worries seemed to be dismissed.
It wasn’t until two years later that a female doctor noticed irregularities during an examination, prompting emergency tests.
In June 2023, Lydia was referred to Warwick Hospital and was diagnosed with stage 4 low-grade severe ovarian cancer.
Reflecting on her experience, she mentioned, “I believed what they told me because I was usually fit and active. I was still working out and keeping my routine.”
“As a woman, you’re often told to tough it out. My GP wasn’t concerned, so I felt reassured too,” she shared. However, she added, “The potential outcome could have been disastrous for me.”
Her health concerns began in 2021 when she noticed significant changes, particularly with her menstrual cycles becoming heavier than she’d experienced before.
“I did consult my GP, but my concerns were dismissed,” she recalled.
During her pregnancy, she experienced worsening pain, but, again, her issues were attributed to her condition. She stated, “I went to the hospital feeling intense discomfort, thinking there just wasn’t enough room for the baby. It was frightening.”
Eventually, more troubling symptoms emerged, but Lydia felt dismissed once more.
A few months later, after noticing more unusual spots on her abdomen, she sought medical help again. “I discovered a lump, resembling a hernia, and returned to the hospital, where they assured me it was just that,” she explained.
Despite further discoveries of lumps, doctors continued to offer reassurance.
“Eventually, I found a lump in my groin and couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. I returned to the doctor multiple times, but it was only when I saw a different female GP that my concerns were finally taken seriously,” Lydia noted.
After repeated reassurances that ovarian cancer was unlikely—attributable to her age—she pushed for more thorough examinations.
“I was told that ovarian cancer typically affects older women, and I was considered too young, yet I insisted on further tests. A biopsy was conducted, revealing stage 4b, low-grade cancer, which was advanced,” she said, emphasizing the shock of the diagnosis.
“My immediate thought was my kids. I need to be around for them,” Lydia recalled as she reflected on the overwhelming news.
As discussions about treatment options unfolded, she opted for a private hospital in London, where she sought a specialist.
“The surgeon had to remove an extensive amount—my uterus, spleen, parts of my intestines, and diaphragm. It was a lengthy, challenging surgery,” she explained.
After the surgery, which uncovered cancerous growths throughout many organs, Lydia underwent rigorous chemotherapy until she was declared in remission.
Now, she is passionate about raising awareness for low-grade severe ovarian cancer (LGSOC), a rare type that typically impacts women aged 40 to 60. She has partnered with charities for World Ovarian Cancer Day and even featured on a billboard in Piccadilly Circus.
“It felt surreal seeing my image there alongside well-known celebrities. It was a significant moment for me, to see myself and my journey. It’s empowering as I realize the difference I can make for others,” she concluded.
