Rare neuroendocrine cancer found after hysterectomy in Coventry woman

Donna Marklew, a mother of four from Coventry, was diagnosed with a rare form of neuroendocrine cancer after undergoing a hysterectomy to treat childbirth complications, BBC Health reported.

The cancer was discovered only after tissue removed during the hysterectomy at Warwick Hospital was analyzed due to a uterine prolapse, according to the report.

Neuroendocrine cancer starts in nerve and hormone-releasing cell glands and affects an estimated 6,000 people annually in the UK, as stated by Neuroendocrine Cancer UK.

Lisa Walker, CEO of Neuroendocrine Cancer UK, noted that diagnosis often takes about five years after initial symptoms because symptoms can mimic other conditions, leading to delays.

Marklew is now working to raise awareness about neuroendocrine cancer, coinciding with World Neuroendocrine Cancer Day, to help improve understanding of the disease.