Lisa Paul, a 47-year-old woman from Edinburgh, has been told she has only months to live after being diagnosed with cervical cancer, 13 years after she recovered from breast cancer. Despite her previous battle with the disease, she says she is not ready to die and is seeking treatment abroad.
Diagnosis and Spread
Lisa was diagnosed with cervical cancer in October 2025. By March 2026, the cancer had spread to her liver, stomach, pelvis, bone marrow, leg, and hip. She described the pain as excruciating, causing her to pass out before the diagnosis. At the Royal Infirmary, doctors could feel the tumour.
“I wasn’t completely shocked because when you’ve had cancer it never fully leaves you. I was surprised it was cervical though because it was completely random - I just couldn’t believe I had got two different cancers,” she told Edinburgh Live.
Treatment Options and Fundraising
Initially, doctors said the cervical cancer was curable, but scans showed chemotherapy was ineffective. In June 2026, she was told the cancer had spread rapidly and that no further NHS treatments were available. Chemotherapy is no longer an option as it could harm her health further.
Her main hope lies in clinical trials, but a GoFundMe page has been set up to access advanced treatments abroad, including in Germany. A consultation alone costs around £4,500.
Emotional Impact
Lisa expressed her determination: “I don’t want to die and I’ve said from day one I’ll never give up. I love my life, my friends, my family - and I don’t want to go anywhere. I will try everything to still be around.” She added that even 18 more months would feel like winning the lottery.
She also acknowledged the toll on loved ones: “I honestly think one of the worst parts about cancer is having to tell your loved ones and giving them constant bad news.”
Community Support
Lisa’s friends and family have rallied around her, and she described feeling overwhelmed with love. The fundraising campaign aims to give her access to treatments not available on the NHS.
