I was dismissed as having conjunctivitis before a cancer diagnosis at 22 – even the optician didn’t spot it
A WOMAN who woke up with her eye bulging out of its socket was initially told by doctors she had conjunctivitis.
But convinced there was something more going on, Mphango Simwaka pressed for further tests - and received a devastating diagnosis of cancer at just 22.
“One of my friends kept telling me: ‘It looks like your eye’s going to pop out.'
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“It didn’t hurt or anything, but I felt like something was pressing against it.
“The pressure was unbearable.
“I just remember looking in the mirror and gasping in sheer horror at the way it looked.
“I really thought I was going to go blind, if not lose my life.”
'DEFEATED'
Mphango’s nightmare began in November 2022, while she was in the process of moving.
Already stressed, the subtle swelling in her left eye triggered alarm bells.
Now, she hopes to share her story to raise awareness and for people to push doctors if they feel something isn’t right – as it could be a matter of life or death.
She added: “I still think about how bad it could have been.
“I wonder if without all the delays things might have been different.
“It was quite shocking being diagnosed with cancer so young, but I’m glad I finally got an answer before it was too late.
“Always trust your gut instincts, keep persisting and never take no for an answer.”
Jam Press has contacted the Bradford Royal Infirmary for comment.
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A spokesperson for Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “We are very sorry to hear about Ms Simwaka.
“Unfortunately, the Trust cannot breach patient confidentiality and comment on individual cases but if she would like to formally raise her concerns with the Trust, we will be more than happy to look into them for her.”