Bedford woman diagnosed with cancer at 21 says it’s "best to check"

Alisha Browne of Bromham is urging young people not to sit on cancer symptoms after receiving a life-changing cancer diagnosis of her own.

Alisha’s cervical cancer diagnosis was delayed by almost a year, due to the horrible experience she had at her first appointment.

In late 2017, Alisha, who was living in East Sussex at the time, went to the GP concerned about irregular bleeding and discharge. She was just 20.

The examination was so painful that Alisha was screaming and edging up the bed, but the doctor told her that it was nothing to worry about and that it would clear up on its own.

Because of this negative experience, she delayed returning to the doctor for 10 months, by which point her symptoms had progressed and she was bleeding every single day.

Thankfully, she saw a different doctor who took her symptoms seriously and sent her for a biopsy. Within weeks, Alisha was diagnosed with clear cell cervical cancer. In January 2019, she had surgery to remove her cervix.

Now aged 23, Alisha is sharing her story as part of Teenage Cancer Trust’s #BestToCheck campaign which is reminding young people of the common signs and symptoms of cancer - and despite the pressure of coronavirus on the NHS, to make sure they contact their GP at the earliest opportunity.

She said: “My advice to young people who are worried about cancer symptoms is keep going back to your doctor. You know your body, so you know something’s wrong. You have to trust yourself and demand answers.

“My experience would have been so much better if I’d just been listened to. I’m under the age for routine smear tests, so doctors just don’t assume cervical cancer. I think that all doctors need to be more aware of cancers in young people so they can diagnose them quicker.”

Through #BestToCheck, Teenage Cancer Trust is urging all young people to look out for:

lumps, bumps or swellings

unexplained tiredness

mole changes

persistent pain

significant weight change

Dr Louise Soanes, director of services at Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “Coronavirus doesn’t stop people getting cancer. Look out for lumps, bumps or swellings, unexplained tiredness, mole changes, persistent pain and significant weight change. If you are worried, contact your GP as soon as possible. Early diagnosis can save lives.”

Find out more about #BestToCheck and the signs and symptoms of cancer here