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Mum's Cancer Pain Ignored Until Pregnancy Scan
2 Aug
Summary
- Doctors initially dismissed Haelwyn's persistent stomach pain.
- A 20-week pregnancy scan revealed stage 4 colon cancer.
- She chose to continue her pregnancy over immediate cancer treatment.

Haelwyn Adams, 41, endured years of stomach pain that medics attributed to common issues like period pain, stress, or IBS. Despite her concerns, doctors repeatedly dismissed the possibility of serious illness, with one even stating she was "too young" for colon cancer. However, during a 20-week pregnancy scan, Haelwyn's pain became undeniable.
This critical scan uncovered a malignant tumor in her colon that had already metastasized to her liver. Faced with a difficult decision, Haelwyn chose to continue her pregnancy, a choice she described as the "easiest ever." This meant delaying extensive cancer treatment to protect her unborn daughter.
Her daughter, Magnolia Sunshine, was born at 32 weeks due to the growing tumors pressing against Haelwyn's lungs. After a period of being cancer-free, Haelwyn's cancer returned aggressively in March, shifting her treatment to management rather than cure.
Haelwyn and her husband, Luke, married in June and have launched a JustGiving page to secure their daughter's financial future.