Woman Diagnosed with Rare Cancer After Misdiagnosis Struggles

A young woman from West Yorkshire, Leah Kalkan, faced a harrowing journey to a diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma, a rare form of cancer, after experiencing severe back pain that was initially misdiagnosed. Leah, 23, endured months of suffering before the true cause of her pain—a grapefruit-sized tumour in her spine—was finally identified.

Leah’s ordeal began in late 2021 when she started to experience debilitating pain in her lower back that radiated into her legs. Despite numerous consultations with her general practitioner, who suggested sciatica, Leah found little relief. Medications, including paracetamol and heat patches, failed to alleviate her discomfort. During a family holiday to Turkey, the pain became unbearable. “I spent a lot of time in my hotel room as I was in so much pain,” Leah recounted, noting that walking and sitting had become increasingly uncomfortable.

Upon returning to the UK, Leah underwent various tests, including an MRI, which indicated a suspected herniated disc. Despite the mounting pain, she was given further medication but remained undiagnosed. An osteopath diagnosed her with a damaged tailbone, yet Leah felt her symptoms did not match this explanation.

As her condition worsened, Leah was forced to call an ambulance while working at a steakhouse. She described a dismissive encounter with paramedics who attributed her symptoms to “meat sweats.” “They were being dismissive and didn’t spend much time with me,” Leah stated, highlighting her frustration with the lack of attention given to her condition.

In October 2023, Leah developed a noticeable lump, prompting her to seek further medical help. “I had lost lots of weight,” she explained, describing how the pain limited her ability to eat. Despite numerous visits to local emergency rooms and consultations with specialists, she was often sent home with only medication for pain relief.

An ultrasound failed to uncover the source of her issues, and Leah’s boyfriend, who grew up in Greece, arranged for her to undergo MRIs and an X-ray abroad, which revealed abnormalities. Following these findings, Leah was referred for a biopsy through the NHS. She expressed frustration that these tests were necessary outside the UK, saying, “We only paid to have them done there because I couldn’t get them in England.”

In December 2023, Leah received a definitive diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. “I was scared they told me the lump was very serious,” she said, recalling her anxiety as she sought answers. Despite asking her consultant multiple times about her prognosis, she received no clear assurances, leaving her feeling devastated after years of dismissed symptoms.

Leah’s treatment journey involved 14 cycles of chemotherapy and 33 sessions of proton beam therapy, supported by the Teenage Cancer Trust. She completed her treatment in July 2024 and has since returned to her studies in modern languages and English with French. Leah expressed gratitude for the support she received, stating, “All of the Teenage Cancer Trust nurses were so sweet and kind.”

Reflecting on her lengthy and difficult path to diagnosis, Leah is now advocating for increased awareness of cancer symptoms in young people. “If I could take myself back in time, I would have kept pushing for a diagnosis,” she said. She encourages others to trust their instincts and seek further medical help if they suspect something is wrong.

Leah is sharing her story to help raise awareness and funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust, which is partnering with the Omaze Million Pound House Draw. The initiative offers the chance to win a furnished home in the New Forest along with £500,000 in cash, with proceeds supporting young individuals battling cancer, including Leah. “Any lump should be alarming,” she emphasized, underscoring the importance of vigilance in health matters.