A young student, Mia Robins, has shared her harrowing experience of being misdiagnosed by doctors, leading to a cancerous tumour growing inside her that was the size of a melon and filled with hair and teeth. Mia, a 21-year-old biomedical science student, initially sought medical help for stomach pains during her first year of university. Despite experiencing alarming symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, and hair loss, doctors repeatedly misdiagnosed her condition, attributing it to alopecia, anaemia, and even a urinary tract infection (UTI).

After months of deteriorating health, Mia was eventually diagnosed with ovarian cancer following an ultrasound in June 2022. She underwent emergency surgery to remove the large tumour. Despite a recurrence of the cancer six months later, Mia successfully underwent chemotherapy and received the all-clear in August 2023.

Now, Mia is advocating for individuals to advocate for their health and challenge medical professionals if they have concerns. Reflecting on her ordeal, Mia emphasized the importance of being proactive in seeking proper medical care. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the critical role of timely and accurate diagnoses in treating serious health conditions.

Mia’s journey highlights the significance of patient advocacy and the need for thorough medical evaluations to prevent potentially life-threatening consequences. Her resilience and determination to overcome the challenges posed by her misdiagnosis are a testament to the importance of being proactive in managing one’s health.