Woman Receives Rare Tumour Diagnosis After 12 GP Appointments

Nikki Helme, a 35-year-old woman from Chorley, Lancashire, reported attending her general practitioner’s office 12 times before receiving a diagnosis for a rare tumour. She stated that at one point, her doctor referred her for “health anxiety” treatment after she contacted the surgery “every day”. The mother of two children indicated that tests, prompted by her passing blood, ultimately revealed a “low-grade” neuroendocrine tumour located in her digestive system. While the local health board affirmed that GPs “continually received training,” it refrained from commenting directly on Ms. Helme’s specific experience, which she characterized as “demoralising and traumatising.” Mrs. Helme also mentioned that she was repeatedly informed she likely had thrush or bacterial vaginosis, despite asserting she experienced no symptoms of either ailment. Mrs. Helme, who is partially-sighted, explained that she persevered by repeatedly returning to the clinic, a process made challenging by her inability to drive herself. “If I was listened to the first time, that would have saved me going back and back and back,” she stated. She also remarked, “It’s very demoralizing going to the GP every single day.” She expressed feeling like an inconvenience and noted that her self-esteem and mental well-being had suffered as a result. The NHS defines neuroendocrine tumours as uncommon growths that can be either malignant or benign. When these tumours affect the digestive system, they may lead to diarrhoea and stomach pains, and the health service indicates that their cause is “not fully understood.” Mrs. Helme, scheduled for surgery next month to remove the tumour, conveyed her desire for GPs to “listen to their patients.” A spokesperson for the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board commented: “All primary and secondary care providers follow NICE and NHS England guidelines, and all GPs continually receive training to be able to perform their duties.” The spokesperson added, “Anyone who experiences changes to their body or recognises any signs and symptoms of cancer should contact their GP.”