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Olivia KeyBritish schoolgirl with ovarian cancer
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
- British Schoolgirl Diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer
- Unexpected Diagnosis
- Surgery and Recovery
- Return to Sport
- Physical Activity and Recovery
- Spreading Awareness
- Gratitude and Support
- Ovarian Cancer in the UK
- Importance of Early Detection
- Mother's Perspective
- Olivia's Strength and Determination
British Schoolgirl Diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer
A British schoolgirl who visited her doctor with a lump on her stomach was shocked to discover she had an 11.8-inch cyst and ovarian cancer.
Unexpected Diagnosis
Now 18 years old, Olivia Key was a sixth-former at South Hunsley School when she noticed a suspicious lump on her stomach. Her blood tests came back with devastating results, revealing a large cyst and cancer on her left ovary.
Surgery and Recovery
Olivia was rushed to Leeds' St James's Hospital where surgeons removed the 11.8-inch growth, along with her ovary and fallopian tube. Her right ovary remains intact, meaning she can still have children.
Return to Sport
A keen sportswoman, Olivia was back playing for her local football team, South Cave Ladies, in Hull, East Yorkshire, just months after her operation. She admitted the cancer diagnosis was a huge shock as she knew it usually affected older women.
Physical Activity and Recovery
Olivia said: "Sometimes I still feel like none of this ever happened. It's taken me a long time to process it all.
"When you're 17, you don't really think about ovarian cancer. At my age, it's like one in a million, so I think it was just quite a big shock for everyone."
Spreading Awareness
Now training to become a PE teacher, Olivia gave a talk at the Sport for Servant Leadership Conference at the University of Hull just four days after returning home from hospital.
She presented a new project designed to encourage young people to stay active. The British teenager said her love of sport helped her recover quickly from her cancer battle.
Gratitude and Support
Olivia said: "I was really determined to get back playing football and hockey as soon as I could after the operation. Having that focus and achieving it really helped me.
"I know I'm lucky to have recovered so quickly. I'm so grateful to all the amazing doctors who have looked after me, and to my family and friends who have supported me."
Ovarian Cancer in the UK
Around 7,100 women in the UK are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year.
It is most commonly found in women who have been through the menopause (typically aged 50 and over), but it can affect younger women too.
Importance of Early Detection
Diagnosing the condition can be difficult because the symptoms are often similar to those of other conditions. Some early symptoms to watch out for include persistent bloating, pelvic or lower abdominal pain, and difficulty eating or feeling full quickly.
Mother's Perspective
Olivia's mother, Mandy Key, 46, said her daughter was devastated when she was first diagnosed.
"When we found out Olivia had cancer, it was horrible," Mandy said.
"The doctors in Hull told us they had never known anyone in our area with ovarian cancer at such a young age.
"For the past 12 months, we've been worried sick that Olivia might not make it. But she has stayed so positive throughout her treatment. She just knew she was going to get through it."
Olivia's Strength and Determination
Mandy added: "Ever since Olivia could walk, she's been very active and determined to do things. She's just an amazing girl."
