Emma King from Maidstone was a fit mother who died after doctors mistook her cancer for food intolerances.
Deadly Symptom Mistaken
In 2017, Emma started having digestive issues and stomach problems. She was a regular at her running clubs and sports classes. Her GP told her the symptoms were likely minor food intolerances. She was also told to keep a food diary for wheat sensitivity. “She was back and forth to the doctors who told her to keep a food diary.” Hayley Penfold told The Sun.
Late Stage Diagnosis
Emma also experienced weight loss, which is a classic cancer sign. However, nobody suggested a scan for two years. Finally, a scan in August 2019 revealed a mass on her pancreas. The cancer had already spread to her liver.
Pancreatic cancer is often hard to spot until the later stages. Only one in 20 patients survives a decade after diagnosis.
Failed Cancer Treatment
Emma started chemotherapy and hormone injections to fight the disease. She suffered from pneumonia that December but made it home for Christmas. Later, her condition worsened, and her treatment became ineffective. Lumps appeared in her back during late 2020. Then, her family learned she had only one week to live. She died on January 11, 2021, surrounded by her loved ones.
Raising Global Awareness
Her sister Hayley shared the story to help others spot signs early. Symptoms include jaundice, itchy skin, and dark urine. Also, keep track of bloating or loss of appetite. Nearly 11,000 cases are diagnosed in Britain every year.