Woman's Pandemic Beauty Change Uncovers Life-Threatening Brain Tumour
A bar manager from Warrington, Cheshire, believes that removing her false eyelashes during the COVID-19 pandemic ultimately saved her life by revealing a hidden brain tumour that had been growing undetected for years.
Jenny Keepe, 34, had worn long eyelash extensions consistently for years, but dispensed with them during lockdowns while spending more time at home. This simple change allowed her mother to notice something alarming during a family barbecue in June 2020.
The Moment That Changed Everything
"My mum looked at me and said my right eye looks big," Jenny recalled. "I sort of brushed it off and said it was nothing. I hadn't noticed. I usually have fake eyelashes on all the time so it hides it quite well. But because it was Covid I took my lashes off, which is when my mum noticed my eye more."
The observation proved crucial. A week later, during a routine eye test, opticians spotted concerning signs at the back of Jenny's right eye and urgently referred her to hospital. An emergency MRI scan revealed a benign brain tumour known as a meningioma.
Shocking Connection to Contraceptive Treatment
Following two operations that removed 50% of the tumour mass, Jenny received information that shocked her. Her surgeon explained that the meningioma might be linked to her long-term use of medroxyprogesterone contraceptive injections.
Jenny had been prescribed the injectable birth control at age 17 and had continued using it for approximately ten years. According to NHS guidance, using medroxyprogesterone contraceptive injections for three years or longer may increase the chance of developing meningioma, though this remains rare with small statistical probabilities.
"I was in shock, I never expected that," Jenny said. "The surgeon had mentioned the injection after both the operations. Up to this point, I'd still been taking the injection. Later on, the surgeon told me there's a chance the tumour is linked to the injection. He advised me to come off it immediately."
Medical Warnings and Official Responses
In October 2024, Pfizer along with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency confirmed there is a small increased risk of developing meningioma with high doses of medroxyprogesterone, primarily after prolonged use. The agencies emphasized that meningiomas remain rare with "absolute risks very small."
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has listed meningiomas as a potential side effect of "high doses, particularly long-term uses" of the drug and advises discontinuation if meningioma is diagnosed.
Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer, stated: "Patient safety is our top priority. MHRA continuously monitors all licensed medicines for safety. For the majority of people, the benefits far outweigh the risk, but we advise anyone with any concerns to speak with their GP, pharmacist or contraceptive provider."
Ongoing Recovery and Critical Questions
Following radiotherapy treatment, Jenny's tumour is now classified as stable, though she requires annual scans to monitor any potential growth. She remains angry about what she perceives as inadequate warnings about potential risks associated with her contraceptive treatment.
"I was never advised on anything about coming off it," Jenny asserted. "There was a lack of care. These things might not have happened. I was never once told about the risks. I would've come off it. If it was never spotted, it could've grown even bigger."
Jenny now questions whether the tumour might have caused more severe consequences if left undetected. "You do think if it had grown any more, could it have led to a stroke or seizure and killed me?" she wondered.
A Lifesaving Eye Test and Important Message
Despite the frightening experience, Jenny recognizes the crucial role that her routine eye test played in her diagnosis and treatment. "My eye test saved my life," she acknowledged.
She also credits her decision to remove false eyelashes during the pandemic with accelerating the discovery process. "Indirectly, removing my lashes definitely helped speed things along," she reflected.
Jenny now offers advice to others using similar contraceptive treatments: "I'd say to other people maybe consider going off it after a few years and make sure you're having tests and scans."
Pfizer has since updated patient information leaflets to reflect the potential risk association between high-dose medroxyprogesterone acetate and increased meningioma risk, while emphasizing the medication's established safety profile over three decades of use in more than sixty countries.
