Coventry mum diagnosed with rare neuroendocrine cancer after hysterectomy

Diagnosis follows routine surgery for prolapse

Donna Marklew underwent a nine hour operation at Warwick Hospital to treat complications from childbirth and uterine prolapse. Tests on the removed tissue later revealed she had neuroendocrine cancer, a condition she had never heard of before. Scans showed tumours in her appendix, Fallopian tubes and surrounding tissue were discovered after the initial surgery. She now receives three injections every week to keep the disease under control while undergoing further treatment.

Treatment involves weekly injections and PRRT

Marklew initiated Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy that involves treatment four times weekly over a two-month period. Her tumours are grade two and grow slowly, though they continue to develop over time. The charity Neuroendocrine Cancer UK estimates this disease affects 6,000 people in the UK annually. Lisa Walker, chief executive of the charity, noted that diagnosis often takes an average of five years after first symptoms appear.

Awareness campaign coincides with World Day

Marklew is raising awareness as her condition coincides with World Neuroendocrine Cancer Day on Tuesday. She explained that the disease develops in hormone-producing cells throughout the body and can start in nerve and cell glands. Diagnosis remains difficult especially for women because symptoms often mimic other conditions leading to delayed detection. The 44 year old occupational therapist works in Leicestershire and has four young children.