A mother of two has shared how repeated delays in seeing a GP led to a late cancer diagnosis — and a warning she might have only six to 12 months to live.
Sibylle Schwarz, 40, first developed what she believed was a simple cold in early 2022. As a busy parent, she assumed it would pass. But her cough and difficulty swallowing continued for months. When she tried to book a GP appointment, she says two different receptionists told her to go to the pharmacy instead.
After insisting on seeing a doctor, she was eventually referred for tests. However, further delays meant she was not treated as urgent. By the time she had an endoscopy, she had lost significant weight and could barely swallow food. She was then diagnosed with advanced oesophageal cancer — one of the least survivable forms of the disease.
In the UK, fewer than 20 per cent of patients with this cancer survive beyond five years. Symptoms can be vague, such as a persistent cough or swallowing problems, which often leads to late diagnosis.
Despite an initial poor response to chemotherapy, Sibylle chose to undergo major surgery. More than two years later, she says she feels well and is grateful to be alive.
She now urges others to speak up if symptoms persist. Her message is simple: be polite, but push for answers. Early action can save lives.