A Journey Through Misdiagnosis and Dismissals

Olivia Williams, the talented British actress, bravely shared her gut-wrenching story of battling pancreatic cancer, marked by years of misdiagnoses and being dismissed by medical professionals. As she gears up to support Pancreatic Cancer UK at the upcoming TCS London Marathon, she’s calling for a low-cost test that could lead to earlier detection of this deadly disease.

A Rare and Often Overlooked Tumor

In a candid interview with The Times U.K., Williams detailed her encounter with VIPoma, a rare type of neuroendocrine tumor that affects only 1 in a million people annually. Known for its stealthy nature, pancreatic cancer is notoriously challenging to diagnose early, making it one of the most lethal cancers.

Four Years, Ten Doctors: A Frustrating Quest for Answers

Williams revealed that her symptoms began a decade ago, launching her on a frustrating four-year journey that included visits to ten different doctors across three countries. Throughout this ordeal, she faced misdiagnoses ranging from lupus to perimenopause, and even other cancers. It wasn’t until a dedicated gastroenterologist in Los Angeles finally took her seriously, testing for a rare hormone and conducting a CT scan and biopsy, that her cancerous tumor was discovered.

Facing the Unthinkable

Reflecting on her ordeal, Williams expressed frustration, saying, "If someone had accurately diagnosed me during those four years, I might be describing myself as cancer-free now, rather than facing this ongoing battle." Since the diagnosis, she has undergone numerous procedures to remove the tumor, along with parts of her pancreas, spleen, gallbladder, and liver, only to discover that the cancer had already metastasized.

Playing 'Whack-a-Mole' with Cancer

"The metastases keep popping up," she shared, comparing her treatment journey to a game of 'whack-a-mole.' Williams is currently on medication to manage cancer growth and undergoes routine scans. Her treatment includes targeted internal radiotherapy, which involves hazardous materials that require her to isolate for up to two weeks.

A Call to Action for Others

While Williams acknowledges that it may be too late for her, she passionately advises anyone over 40 to stay vigilant about their health. "I’m not seeking sympathy; I’m advocating for a cheap, early test that could save lives," she concluded, underscoring the need for awareness and action in the face of this devastating disease.