‘I waited 10 months for a hospital referral for suspected endometriosis – then I was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer at 27’

A young woman was left waiting almost a year for a specialist referral for symptoms initially suspected to be endometriosis - only to be told later that she had advanced, incurable cancer. 

Tamara Mulley, now 29 and living in London, first noticed symptoms of bloating and hip pain in early 2023. Her GP suspected a gynaecological issue and arranged a referral to a specialist, but the appointment did not come for 10 months. 

By the time she saw hospital specialists in late 2023, Tamara was experiencing worsening fatigue, a severe cough and weight loss. Subsequent scans revealed stage 4 cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) that had spread to her lungs, bones, spine and liver - leaving doctors with an “incurable” diagnosis when she was just 27. 

Tamara described the long wait for a gynaecology appointment and the delay in more targeted imaging as “frustrating” and “anxious”, especially as her condition deteriorated. She says this experience highlights how long waits for specialist care can delay diagnosis of serious conditions.

Despite the prognosis, she has since undergone chemotherapy and is participating in clinical trials, sharing her story to advocate for earlier investigation and faster access to care. 

Ireland under the new ESAIS scheme are offering women the opportunity to leave Ireland for specialist care but the delays in accessing care in Ireland or having to go through the application process are adding to the delays in accessing healthcare early.

Reform needs to happen sooner than anticipated and we need all voices supporting this urgent action!

Sign and Share this petition with your friends and colleagues to help spread awareness, attend events and listen to the podcast so we can keep spreading awareness about the importance of better health care.