In a heart-wrenching and inspiring story, Lydia Southam of Stratford-upon-Avon has shared her experience with a rare type of ovarian cancer after facing a troubling misdiagnosis over the course of two years. Southam’s ordeal began in 2021 when she encountered severe symptoms, including heavy periods and abdominal bloating, yet remained persistent in seeking medical help despite her complaints being dismissed multiple times.
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The 37-year-old mother of three initially attributed her symptoms to the normal challenges of womanhood. However, as her condition deteriorated, particularly during her third pregnancy, Southam felt an urgent need for proper medical attention. She described her discomfort, saying, “I felt like the baby had no space,” a statement that highlights the severity of her symptoms during that time.
Despite her medical visits, doctors attributed her abdominal lump to pregnancy-related issues, leading to continued frustration for Southam. “They just told me it was a hernia,” she recalled, noting that no further scans were conducted. Instead, she was scheduled for surgery to address what was thought to be a hernia. As her symptoms progressed, Southam discovered more lumps, prompting her to seek help approximately ten times within two years, culminating in a profound sense of urgency and fear.
It was only after a female doctor examined her that a different approach was taken. This doctor, who recognised that something was amiss, ordered further tests, which eventually uncovered the shocking diagnosis of advanced low-grade serous ovarian cancer. For Southam, the news was devastating. “It was awful,” she recalled. “My first thought was I need to be here for my kids.”
Low-grade serous ovarian cancer is a rare form of the disease that disproportionately affects younger women, accounting for only 2% to 5% of all ovarian cancers. The cancer is notorious for being misdiagnosed or taking longer to identify; many patients endure symptoms for three years or more before receiving a definitive diagnosis.
Following her diagnosis, Southam underwent an aggressive operation that involved the removal of her spleen, sections of her bowel, belly button, and diaphragm, along with a total hysterectomy. She described the spread of the cancer as “seeds that had sprinkled everywhere,” a poetic yet dire illustration of the extent of her illness.
Fortunately, after the extensive surgery, Southam is now in remission. In an effort to raise awareness about the rare cancer, she has embraced a new mission—sharing her story and the lessons learned throughout her harrowing journey. One notable initiative involved featuring her scar on a billboard situated in London’s renowned Piccadilly Circus in honour of World Ovarian Cancer Day.
“It was a big thing; it was confronting seeing yourself and the scar,” Southam admitted, reflecting on the experience. Yet, she found it empowering to know that her visibility could help others who might be facing similar circumstances. Her campaign highlights the critical importance of advocating for one’s health and the often-overlooked symptoms of ovarian cancer, particularly among younger women.
Southam’s story serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by many women in the healthcare system, where their symptoms may be dismissed or overlooked. It underscores the need for more awareness and education surrounding ovarian cancer to ensure that diagnoses are prompt, particularly for those who are fit and young.
As she continues her recovery and advocacy work, Southam remains focused on her family and ensuring that her children have a mother present in their lives. Her journey is one of resilience, prompting a broader conversation about women’s health and the necessity of being listened to within the medical community.