A 35-year-old Australian woman, Jessica, is undergoing chemotherapy for an extremely rare form of ovarian cancer after multiple doctors initially dismissed her symptoms, telling her she was “too young” to have the disease. The delayed diagnosis resulted in a 13-kilogram tumor – roughly the size of a watermelon – being discovered after it had already shifted her organs.
Jessica, who has chosen not to disclose her last name, recounted her experience to 7NEWS Australia, describing how she repeatedly sought medical attention for concerning symptoms. “I approached a few doctors who told me that I was too young for cancer, that it was something that was generally considered more in older people. I got told that it could be a stomach ulcer,” she said. Despite these dismissals, Jessica persisted, driven by a family history of cancer and a growing conviction that something was seriously wrong.
By the time she was admitted to hospital on October 31, 2025, the tumor had grown to 30 centimeters in size. Surgeons removed the mass, along with her right ovary and fallopian tube. Subsequent testing confirmed a diagnosis of an exceptionally rare cancer, according to 7NEWS.
Jessica’s case highlights a growing concern about rising cancer rates among younger Australians. Doctors are investigating potential environmental factors that may be contributing to this trend. She is now sharing her story to raise awareness and encourage young people to advocate for themselves within the healthcare system.
“Being 35 and having been dismissed as much as I was is quite disappointing, and I think as a young female, I’m living proof that it can happen and cancer doesn’t discriminate based on age,” Jessica explained. She urged healthcare providers to listen attentively to patients’ concerns and pursue further testing when symptoms persist. “When we reach in and we’re displaying these symptoms, hear us, you know? Really hear what we’re saying and, you know, push for further testing because that could be the difference between being diagnosed in stage 1 or stage 3 and 4,” she stated.
The treatment process has been physically demanding for Jessica. She described experiencing “cold sensitivity, permanent neuropathy, which is a big one, so pins and needles, muscle aches, tiredness, fatigue, nausea.” She added, “It’s taken a huge toll on my life,” and noted that some days she struggles to walk.
Jessica’s specific cancer, stage 3 mucinous adenocarcinoma with anaplastic nodules, is so rare that treatment options within Australia are limited. She has identified a specialist in Germany who she believes offers the best chance of survival, but the cost of treatment and travel is substantial. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to help cover these expenses, with a fundraising goal of $110,000 AUD.
“The reality is that seeking treatment abroad comes with significant costs — medical fees, genetic tests, specialist oncologists, travel abroad and ongoing follow-up checks to ensure this does not return — many of which are not covered by insurance,” Jessica wrote on the fundraising page. “As much as I wish I could travel this journey alone, I can’t.”
