What is adrenocortical carcinoma and how rare is it?

Adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare cancer of the adrenal glands, with Madi Foster's diagnosis being exceptionally rare, estimated at one-in-three million for her age group.

What happened when Madi Foster's cancer symptoms were initially dismissed?

Madi's symptoms, including breathlessness and fatigue, were initially mistaken for anxiety and depression by her GP, delaying her diagnosis and treatment.

How is Madi Foster funding her treatment in the US?

Madi's treatment in the US is being funded by public donations, which have raised over £45,000 to cover her travel, accommodation, and ongoing medical expenses.

Home / Health / Teen's cancer misdiagnosed as anxiety, given months to live

Teen's cancer misdiagnosed as anxiety, given months to live

14 Feb

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Summary

Madi was diagnosed with a rare adrenal cancer after symptoms were dismissed.
Doctors initially mistook her condition for anxiety and depression.
She received a prognosis of 15-18 months but is fighting for survival.

Teen's cancer misdiagnosed as anxiety, given months to live

Madi Foster, a 20-year-old, was diagnosed with adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare cancer with odds of one-in-three million for her age group. Initially, at age 17, her symptoms of breathlessness and fatigue were misattributed to anxiety and depression by a GP.

Her condition worsened with back pain and sweating, leading to a hospital admission where a 15cm tumor wrapped around her spleen was discovered. After confirmation of the rare cancer, Madi had the tumor removed, but faced complications including septic shock.