A 41-year-old woman from Cardiff, Claire O'Shea, has been diagnosed with incurable uterine leiomyosarcoma after her symptoms were initially dismissed as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). She was later diagnosed with a rare gynaecological cancer after a masseuse in Turkey noticed a lump in her abdomen.
Claire was referred for a scan within days of returning from holiday, but was told she had benign fibroids. Eight months later, the lump—the size of a grapefruit—was removed, and a biopsy confirmed the cancer. She requested her medical notes, which revealed multiple cysts on her liver, and further scans showed the cancer had spread to her liver, lungs, and hip bone.
After a hysterectomy and six cycles of chemotherapy, Claire's tumour has stabilised. She said: 'I'm 12 months clear and feeling quite healthy at the moment, so I've outlived my prognosis already, which is promising in a way.' However, she stressed that 'something dramatic' needs to change in women's healthcare.
A Senedd committee report found that women's cancer concerns are 'dismissed, downplayed and unheard,' describing a 'dangerous bias' against women. The report heard evidence from several women, including Judith Rowlands from Anglesey, who died shortly after giving her testimony. Her daughter, Sioned Cash, said: 'Seeing mam suffering with the cancer, I would like to see improvements in the speed and accuracy of diagnosis.'
The Welsh government said it has introduced targeted support for gynaecological cancer services and is providing GPs with tools for referral. A spokesperson stated: 'It is vital women's concerns are heard and taken seriously when they go to the NHS for help.'
