A teenager who dismissed severe abdominal pains as period cramps was devastated to learn she had a rare form of ovarian cancer. Gracie Mae Cooper, 19, from Congleton, Cheshire, was diagnosed with germ cell ovarian cancer after symptoms rapidly escalated over two weeks.
From Cramps to Cancer Diagnosis
Gracie, a childcare apprentice, initially visited her GP when intense stomach pains left her barely able to move. She was referred to Royal Stoke Hospital for a gynaecological examination, where an ultrasound revealed a cyst on her ovary. Ovarian cysts are typically benign, but further tests uncovered that the cyst was a malignant germ cell tumour.
Germ cell cancers affect approximately 2,500 people annually in the UK, but ovarian germ cell cancers represent less than 5% of all ovarian cancer diagnoses. Gracie recalls the moment she received the news: "I first thought, 'Oh my god I'm going to die, I'm too young for this,' as I'm sat in the hospital waiting for results."
Treatment and Travel Burden
Gracie has started chemotherapy to shrink the tumour before surgery, undergoing four cycles over three to six months. The treatment requires her to travel 185 miles each way from Congleton to London, costing £80-90 per trip in fuel and £400 per week for accommodation. "Having to travel all that way to get treatment is not fun, as I'm thinking if anything goes wrong I'm four hours away from help," she said.
The physical and emotional toll has been immense. Gracie described the journey as "absolutely terrible," adding that she often sits staring out the car window, watching time pass. Being away from her family for extended periods has worsened her mental health: "I think that's been the worst part about it all, knowing I can't see my family for long periods at a time."
Impact on Career and Family
The diagnosis forced Gracie to put her beloved childcare apprenticeship on hold. "I really loved my apprenticeship as this was my life, I really loved looking after the kids and building a relationship with them," she said. She received handmade cards from the children, underscoring how much she meant to them.
Her sister has been her biggest support, along with the rest of her family. Gracie and her family have set up a fundraising appeal to cover travel and accommodation costs. Despite the upheaval, she is determined to make the most of life: "It has made me more determined to do more things I haven't done before and experience what life is made for."
Advice to Others
Gracie urges anyone with concerning symptoms to seek medical help. "Don't feel alone as there are a lot of people that give support," she said. "But more importantly it is to get checked if you think something is off as this will save your life, yes it's scary but it's better to be safe than sorry."
