Sian Ashcroft, a 35-year-old mother of three, passed away just 18 days after receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis. Her illness, a rare liver cancer called cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), was discovered too late to save her life. Her story serves as a vital reminder to pay close attention to persistent health changes.
Early signs of the disease appeared nearly a year before her death. Sian first discovered she was anemic during a routine blood donation. Later, she began suffering from stomach pain. At the time, these symptoms were mistaken for minor issues like food poisoning or gallstones.
Because this type of cancer is rare, it is often missed in younger, healthy-looking people. Most cases are only found in the late stages. Experts suggest that if unusual stomach symptoms do not clear up, a specific liver function test should be performed to rule out serious issues.
Sian’s family remembers her as an exceptionally brave woman who kept her sense of humor until the very end. By sharing her experience, they hope to encourage others to advocate for their health. Early detection remains the most important factor in surviving this aggressive disease.