Sarah O'Connell, a 36-year-old mother of two from Manchester, believed her relentless back pain was simply the price of balancing motherhood with a demanding career. What began as discomfort she attributed to work stress and lifting her children would soon reveal itself as something far more sinister - a life-threatening tumour growing inside her.
The Warning Signs Everyone Missed
"I kept telling myself it was normal aches and pains," Sarah recalls. "As a busy mum working in retail management, I thought nothing of the persistent discomfort in my back and the bloating that made me look pregnant."
For months, Sarah dismissed her symptoms, even as they intensified. The bloating became so severe that strangers would congratulate her on her pregnancy. The back pain grew debilitating, making simple tasks like playing with her children unbearable.
A Shocking Discovery
When Sarah finally sought medical help, the truth emerged with terrifying clarity. Doctors discovered a massive 15cm tumour - roughly the size of a melon - growing on her ovary.
"Hearing the word 'cancer' was like the floor disappearing beneath me," Sarah shares. "I was 36 with two young children. How could this be happening?"
The Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
Sarah's experience highlights crucial warning signs that everyone should recognise:
- Persistent bloating that doesn't come and go
- Unexplained back pain that worsens over time
- Feeling full quickly when eating
- Urinary symptoms or changes in bowel habits
- Extreme fatigue that doesn't improve with rest
Fighting Back Against Cancer
Following her diagnosis, Sarah underwent intensive treatment including surgery and chemotherapy. Throughout her journey, she's been determined to raise awareness about the often-missed symptoms of ovarian cancer.
"If sharing my story helps one person get diagnosed earlier, it will all be worth it," she says. "We need to listen to our bodies and push for answers when something doesn't feel right."
Sarah's message to others is clear: "Don't be fobbed off. Don't assume it's just stress or getting older. Be persistent with doctors until you get proper answers. Your life could depend on it."
