When doctors miss the real cause of a patient’s symptoms, the results can be devastating. Misdiagnosis can mean a delay in the right treatment, and sometimes, it can make things much worse. This is what happened to Lily Murphy, a 30-year-old woman from Watford. Her story is a powerful reminder that listening to patients and looking beyond the obvious is so important. Lily’s pain was first blamed on anxiety, but it was actually stage four melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer.
Lily’s journey with cancer began when she was just 23. After a holiday in Vietnam and Bali, she noticed a mole that had changed. She had used sunbeds a few times before her trip, never thinking it could be risky. “It was just a couple of minutes here and there, nothing major,” Lily said. But after seeing her doctor, she was told the mole was nothing to worry about.
Later, she got a second opinion. This time, the doctor took her concerns seriously and sent her for tests. The results showed she had stage 1B melanoma. She had surgery to remove the mole and some lymph nodes. Luckily, the cancer had not spread. Lily was relieved and tried to move on, enjoying life and making the most of her second chance.
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In early 2023, Lily started feeling tired all the time. She had pain in her back and chest. She went to the doctor several times, but her symptoms were blamed on anxiety because of her mental health history. “I knew something wasn’t right,” Lily said. But her worries were brushed aside. It was only thanks to her mother, who works at the same hospital, that Lily got more tests. The scans showed the cancer had come back and spread to her lungs and neck. This time, it was stage four melanoma, a much more serious diagnosis. Lily was devastated. She had done everything right, including regular check-ups, but the cancer had spread in a way that was hard to detect.
Dr Rashek Kazi, MD, PhD, Dermatologist, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, explains that melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer. It starts in cells called melanocytes, which make the colour in our skin, hair, and eyes. Melanoma is not the most common skin cancer, but it is one of the most dangerous and can be life-threatening.
A study from 2021 shows that melanoma cases are rising around the world. In India, the North region has the highest number of new melanoma cases. This means people need to know more about this disease and take steps to protect themselves.
As per Lily’s case, a study by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that sunbed use increases the risk of melanoma, especially in young people. The WHO recommends banning sunbeds to lower skin cancer rates. Countries that have banned sunbeds have already seen a drop in new melanoma cases.
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Lily’s story shows how important it is to listen to patients and to take symptoms seriously, even when they seem simple. Her courage in sharing her experience and fighting for change could help save lives. If you notice changes in your skin or feel something is wrong, trust your instincts, push for answers and visit a doctor.
