A mother has bravely shared her terrifying ordeal after dismissing persistent bloating as a minor issue – only to discover she had advanced ovarian cancer.
Claire Hastie, 38, initially thought her swollen stomach was due to dietary changes or stress. But when the bloating persisted alongside fatigue and abdominal pain, she sought medical help.
The Shocking Diagnosis
"I assumed it was just bloating from eating certain foods," Claire admitted. "When doctors told me it was stage 3 ovarian cancer, my world collapsed."
Medical professionals found a 12cm tumour during scans, requiring immediate surgery and chemotherapy.
Symptoms Everyone Should Know
Ovarian cancer is often called the "silent killer" because symptoms are easily mistaken for less serious conditions. Key warning signs include:
- Persistent bloating
- Feeling full quickly
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Urinary changes
"If I'd known these were cancer symptoms, I might have sought help sooner," Claire said.
A Life-Changing Journey
After gruelling treatment, Claire is now in remission but continues to advocate for awareness. "I want other women to trust their instincts about their bodies," she urged.
Experts emphasize that early detection dramatically improves survival rates. The UK sees about 7,500 new ovarian cancer cases annually, with nearly half diagnosed at late stages.
Key Statistics:
- 1 in 50 UK women will develop ovarian cancer
- Only 35% survive ten years post-diagnosis
- Early detection can boost survival to 90%
Claire's story serves as a powerful reminder to never ignore persistent bodily changes and to push for thorough medical investigations.
