Cancer patient who delayed seeing doctor issues warning over early detection

A woman diagnosed with cancer for a third time has joined a charity campaign about early detection after she originally waited four months to visit her doctor.

Christine Haskell from Mansfield Woodhouse is working with The Eve Appeal to raise awareness of women cancers and the importance of early diagnosis.

The 64-year-old was first diagnosed with stage-three ovarian cancer in 2010, but admits she waited months before visiting her doctor.

She was suffering a pain in her side, and within weeks of visiting her doctor she had her ovaries removed.

“I never had time to go to the doctor,” Christine said.

“Luckily I had an appointment about something else and while I was there I asked her if she’d examine me.

“Things progressed very quickly. The most upsetting thing for me was the look on my husband’s, family and friends’ faces.”

Having gone through painful chemotherapy, Christine was given the all clear, but had undergo another course of treatment from November 2014 to May 2015.

The cancer returned once again in January this year, and she is undergoing chemotherapy again which she hopes to finish this month.

Christine added: “In a strange way, each time I’ve had to start treatment again it has got easier as I know what’s going to happen, but had I been aware of the symptoms of the ovarian cancer would my story have been different? Who knows, I don’t dwell on that.

“But if anyone has any worries, don’t wait, go and make that doctor’s appointment.

“I’ve become a cancer statistic and it’s not a badge I’m fond of.”

Athena Lamnisos, chief executive of The Eve Appeal said: “We’re absolutely delighted and incredibly grateful to Christine for supporting The Eve Appeal.

“Throughout Christine’s tough experience, she has always been very brave in the face of adversity and battled on, remaining very supportive of the charity despite it returning for a third time.

“We’re on a campaign to spread the message about straight talking for these cancers, ensuring that women know exactly what they should be on the lookout for in terms of signs and symptoms.”

For details, log onto www.eveappeal.org.uk