Why was Caroline Padmore's cancer missed for seven years?

Caroline Padmore's cancer was missed for seven years because doctors initially dismissed her severe abdominal pain, attributing it to less serious conditions and believing she was too young for cancer, despite her presenting symptoms.

What significant medical procedures did Caroline Padmore undergo?

Caroline Padmore underwent major surgery to remove six organs, including her ovaries, cervix, womb, fallopian tubes, appendix, and parts of her liver and bowel. She also had an ileostomy and experienced surgical menopause.

How did pregnancy hormones impact Caroline Padmore's cancer diagnosis?

Pregnancy hormones accelerated the spread of Caroline Padmore's cancer, worsening her symptoms and ultimately leading to its discovery through enhanced visibility on scans.

Home / Health / Tummy Pain Ignored for 7 Years, Mum Loses Six Organs

Tummy Pain Ignored for 7 Years, Mum Loses Six Organs

22 Feb

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Summary

Mum's abdominal pain was dismissed by doctors for seven years.
She underwent surgery to remove six organs due to advanced cancer.
The cancer was ultimately diagnosed due to pregnancy hormones speeding spread.

Tummy Pain Ignored for 7 Years, Mum Loses Six Organs

A 36-year-old woman endured seven years of dismissed abdominal pain before being diagnosed with advanced cancer, necessitating the removal of six organs. Caroline Padmore reported recurring agony so severe she would collapse, but medical professionals repeatedly attributed it to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome or appendicitis.

Following the birth of her son in October 2024, her pain intensified and was accompanied by vomiting. A GP referral led to ultrasounds and a CT scan in December 2024, revealing extensive tumors. A biopsy in January 2025 confirmed a rare type of ovarian cancer, despite multiple previous ultrasounds during her pregnancy failing to detect the "orange-sized" masses.