When student Molly Doyle had a pain in her hip she initially passed it off as a pulled muscle, but when it got more severe she became worried it was something more serious. The 22-year-old student, from Colwyn Bay, began to experience "strange flare ups" of hip pain that would come and go over a few days.
At times, the pain was so severe that she could barely walk, but within a few days her symptoms would subside and she would be "completely normal".
Molly, who is a second year student at Liverpool University, said the "on and off" nature of the pain initially led her to dismiss what was happening as she was otherwise fit and healthy.
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She told North Wales Live: "One week it would be really bad and I couldn't leave the house because I'd struggle to walk but then I'd go to bed one night and the next day I'd be completely fine and there'd be no pain at all.
"This was happening during lockdown so I didn't go to the doctors straight away because every time it would pass after about a week. I just though maybe I overdid it or pulled a muscle or something, but then when the pain came back it was getting worse every time so I decided I should probably see a doctor."
Molly made an appointment with her GP and was referred for an X-ray and a biopsy, which revealed she had a rare form of cancer called a Ewing’s sarcoma. She said: “On the day of my X-Ray I was in so much pain I almost didn’t go but I was so glad I did as I got the phone call the day after to explain that I had a suspected sarcoma.
“We were still in lockdown so my appointment was over the phone but I didn’t mind as it meant I was at home with all my housemates around me for immediate support. Cancer isn’t something that had previously affected my family or friends so it was a definite shock and just something you never expect.”
Whilst Ewing’s sarcoma is more common in younger people, it is a rare cancer that can be difficult to diagnose because of its vague symptoms. Molly underwent a gruelling treatment regime which included 13 rounds of chemotherapy, Proton Beam Therapy at The Christie in Manchester and surgery to remove the sarcoma in Birmingham.
Speaking about the care she received at the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre's Teenage and Young Adult Unit, Molly said: "In Liverpool I was classed as a young adult and they were really good at letting you have visitors so you had someone with you. I'd never been ill before and I'd never needed to go into hospital so I was really grateful to be able to have my family there with me to support me through it."
After months of treatment, Molly is now cancer free and will be returning to university to continue her studies later this year. The psychology student said she is looking forward to her future and considering a career in mental health services, to support other young people who have been diagnosed with cancer.
Dr Nasim Ali, Consultant in Medical Oncology at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, said: “Sarcoma is a rare cancer that can be more common in younger people than other cancers and because symptoms can often be vague at first, can often be overlooked – particularly when someone is otherwise young, fit and healthy. If you have any symptoms, particularly a pain or swelling that isn’t going away, I would encourage you to see your GP and explain you are worried.
"As with other cancers, the earlier we find a sarcoma, the more treatment options there are available and the higher the chances are of making a full recovery and living well afterwards. We’re really pleased that Molly has gone on to complete her treatment and wish her all the best in her recovery and return to her studies.”
Supporting Sarcoma Awareness Month, Molly added: “It can be harder for young people to advocate for themselves but I'm a big believer that you know your body best and you know when something's wrong. I know young people sometimes worry that they're wasting people's time but you definitely need to talk to someone if you notice anything that isn’t normal for you or seems to change over time because it might be nothing but finding out early could save your life.”
Symptoms of a sarcoma can include:
- bone pain – this may get worse over time and may be worse at night
- a lump or swelling that is growing over time, especially if greater than 5cm, which may or may not be tender
- a swelling in the tummy (abdomen)
- feeling tired all the time
- unintentional weight loss
Find out more about the work of The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust here.
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