Peterborough teen's positivity praised in ovarian cancer journey

The parents of a 13-year-old girl who is spending Christmas in hospital with a very rare form of ovarian cancer have praised her positivity.

Bethany, who lives near Peterborough, was diagnosed in July after she had stomach cramps that would not go away.

She has been undergoing chemotherapy at hospital in Cambridge and has received well-wishes from as far away as the US.

"Don't assume that it can't happen - it's more common in children than we realised," said her father, Martin.

An MRI scan revealed Bethany had a large mass around her ovary, and because the cancer - called small cell carcinoma hypercalcemic cancer -had a genetic link, both of her ovaries had to be removed.

She has had four operations, six rounds of chemotherapy and has recently undergone high-dose chemotherapy.

Bethany will have to spend Christmas in hospital because of her weakened immune system. Celebrations are planned for next year when the family can be back together.

"Like every dad, you want to look after your little girl and tell her you're never going to let anything bad happen. It's hard, but she's so positive it makes it easier," said Martin.

Bethany's mother Tina said their whole lives had been turned upside down in just a few months.

"I wouldn't want any other family to go through this. I felt so useless," she said.

"If children fall over and cut their knee, you put a plaster on it, but I couldn't do anything for her."

She said the family had been overwhelmed by the support from their local area, with Bethany even receiving cards from across the Atlantic.

They have been raising money for Ward C2 at Addenbrooke's Hospital, where Bethany is being treated.

Martin said: "They have been amazing. We wanted to give something back."

Marie-Claire Platt, from Ovarian Cancer Action, said it was unusual for teenagers to develop ovarian cancer, which was more frequently diagnosed in women in their 50s.

"Less than 1% of all diagnoses every year are in women under 20. And this particular type of cancer, small cell carcinoma hypercalcemic cancer, is extremely rare. Only 400 cases of this cancer have been documented since it was discovered 30 years ago.

"Raising awareness is so important. Symptoms include feeling full quickly, needing to go to the toilet more often and persistent bloating. If something doesn't feel right, we advise people go to the GP."

With Bethany progressing through treatment, Tina said they had new hope.

"Bethany's spirit is shining through. She's overwhelmed by all the cards she's been receiving. It's lovely."

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