Amy Rawlings

A 39-year-old mother, Chantelle Van Der Watt, was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer after years of being denied screening because she was below the NHS age threshold. Despite her family history of cancer and repeated requests, she was told she could not be screened until 40. The disease was discovered only after she found a lump, by which time it had spread to her bones, leaving it incurable. She is now fundraising to secure a stable home for her family while receiving treatment. Milton Keynes University Hospital expressed sympathy and stated that screening criteria are set nationally, while the NHS maintains its programme begins at 50 due to higher incidence rates in older women.

An 11-year-old girl from West London was diagnosed with thyroid cancer after more than a year of symptoms initially dismissed as growing pains, leading her mother to push for further medical investigation. Discovery of a throat lump prompted referral to Great Ormond Street Hospital, where two types of thyroid cancer were identified and treatment began. The family has launched a GoFundMe to help cover travel and care costs, and the mother urges other parents to trust their instincts when symptoms persist.