Feb 12 • 09:39 UTC 🇬🇧 UK Mirror

'I thought I was lazy as I couldn't lose weight before doctors made 12kg discovery'

A woman discovered a 12kg cancerous tumor after struggling to lose weight, thinking her lack of success was due to laziness.

Becki Ward, a 33-year-old woman, believed her inability to lose weight was due to being lazy and ineffective with weight loss methods. After trying weight loss injections without success, she began experiencing concerning symptoms, including stomach pains and night sweats. A visit to the doctor led to extensive examinations, ultimately resulting in a diagnosis of pseudomyxoma peritonei, a rare and aggressive form of mucinous cancer, which she had unknowingly been battling for some time.

Her condition caused significant abdominal swelling, leading to physical appearances that shocked her and her loved ones. The size of the tumor reached 12kg, necessitating major surgery. In August 2025, Becki underwent a complex surgical procedure to remove the malignant tumor along with several of her organs, during which doctors also performed a complete hysterectomy. This life-changing event not only highlights the challenges of diagnosing rare cancers but also emphasizes how symptoms can often be misattributed to more mundane causes, such as lifestyle or fitness levels.

Becki's story is a reminder of the importance of seeking medical advice when experiencing unexplained health issues, especially when they diverge from typical experiences. Her journey from misunderstanding her health struggles to facing a life-threatening diagnosis sheds light on the critical need for awareness and early detection of rare cancers. It also underscores the emotional and physical toll such conditions can carry, as well as necessitating a profound shift in life perspectives as individuals deal with health crises.

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