GP misdiagnosed back pain; patient now has cancer

Gemma Phillips, a 32-year-old pharmacy technician from Wroughton, has faced a difficult journey after suffering from severe back pain for five years. Despite visiting her doctor and receiving painkillers, it took 18 months for her to receive a proper diagnosis. In March 2022, she was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Initially, Gemma's back pain was thought to be linked to irritable bowel syndrome. After numerous appointments and tests, including an ultrasound, a mass was discovered in her abdomen. The diagnosis was a shock, delivered to her by text message while she was at work. She expressed frustration over the delay, believing earlier treatment could have reduced her suffering. After surgery to remove a 10cm tumor in May 2022, Gemma saw her condition worsen the following year. A PET scan in October 2023 revealed that her cancer had spread, leading doctors to inform her that the illness is now incurable, with a prognosis of 12 to 18 months to live. She has begun chemotherapy and radiotherapy to manage her symptoms and possibly prolong her life. Gemma has been sharing her story on TikTok and continues to maintain a positive outlook. Her friends have supported her, recently climbing Mount Snowdon as a tribute to her bravery. One friend, Julia Young, highlighted Gemma’s inspiring spirit, noting how she continues to live life fully despite her diagnosis. Sarcoma UK is working on advancements in leiomyosarcoma research, committing significant funding to projects aimed at improving treatments and outcomes for patients like Gemma. They emphasize the importance of early detection and effective therapies for better patient care.