Young Woman's Cancer Missed for Months

Destinee Zischka, a healthy 21-year-old nursing student, experienced debilitating symptoms including severe back pain, bloating, and fatigue. Doctors initially dismissed her concerns, suggesting food allergies or an eating disorder, leaving her feeling invalidated. Despite persistent symptoms, including a visibly distended abdomen, she was not taken seriously until an ultrasound revealed a large mass.

Further scans indicated a potential cancerous tumour. Tragically, before planned surgery, her tumour ruptured, causing breathing difficulties and lung collapse. Destinee was airlifted for emergency surgery, during which her right ovary and fallopian tube were removed. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer that had spread due to the delay.

She underwent six rounds of chemotherapy over four months. Destinee describes the experience as debilitating, particularly the loss of identity from hair loss and the mental health toll. Supported by Ovarian Cancer Australia's Teal Nurse program, she recovered from treatment side effects.

Now cancer-free for over three years, Destinee, aged 25, advocates for early detection and for healthcare professionals to take young women's symptoms seriously. She emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, especially for those without a medical background, and encourages connection with support networks like Ovarian Cancer Australia.