Mum reflects on cancer fight after GP dismissal

Natalie Hopper's battle with cancer highlights the importance of intuition and patient advocacy.

Mum seeks help after feeling dismissed by doctors

Natalie Hopper, a 42-year-old mother and pub owner from Devon, has been battling Stage 4 bowel cancer since March 2023. After multiple visits to her GP for persistent stomach pain, she was repeatedly told she was too young for cancer. Despite her instincts suggesting otherwise, a CT scan eventually revealed a 20cm tumor. Following emergency surgery and further treatments, Natalie is now facing the challenges of living with cancer while managing her new business. She emphasizes the need for patients to trust their feelings when seeking medical care.

Natalie Hopper's experience underscores a critical issue in healthcare: the tendency to dismiss patients based on their age or perceived health status. Her journey from misdiagnosis to cancer diagnosis reveals the often invisible struggles that many face when advocating for their health. As she now balances her recovery with running a pub, her story also shines a light on the resilience of individuals confronting serious illness while seeking meaningful engagement in their communities. This raises questions about how medical professionals can better support young patients who may feel unheard.

Highlights

Hopper's story is a reminder of the importance of listening to our own bodies and the need for better patient advocacy.