From Ordinary Symptom to Rare Cancer Diagnosis
In early 2026, **52‑year‑old UK resident Kerrie Ivory shared her decade‑long journey from dismissive diagnoses to finally learning she had neuroendocrine cancer, a rare and often slow‑advancing form of the disease. Ivory first experienced persistent coughing, acid reflux, fatigue, and bloating — all symptoms she and many doctors initially attributed to common issues like rhinitis, asthma or gastro‑oesophageal reflux.
It took more than 15 months for doctors to connect the dots, and only after extensive testing did they determine she had neuroendocrine tumors that had spread to the bowel, lymph nodes, liver, and spine — despite otherwise seeming relatively “invisible” on routine exams.
“I was constantly waiting for the tumors to grow big enough to get treatment that is appropriate for me,” now‑advocate Ivory explained, describing the shocking paradox of living with a diagnosed cancer that isn’t immediately treated.
What Is Neuroendocrine Cancer — And Why Is It Hard to Treat Early?
Unlike more common cancers such as lung or breast cancer, neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) arise from hormone‑producing cells throughout the body, most frequently in the digestive tract or lungs. They often grow slowly and may not produce clear symptoms until years after onset, making early detection difficult.
This slow and subtle progression explains why standard cancer screenings may not pick up early NET changes. In Ivory’s case, despite debilitating symptoms, it wasn’t until invasive scans and biopsies were conducted that the diagnosis was confirmed.
Unlike aggressive cancers treated immediately with surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, some patients with slow‑growing tumors may instead be placed under active surveillance — regular monitoring until clearer progression rates or growth patterns indicate the need for treatment. This strategy helps balance disease control with quality of life and avoids overtreatment when the disease is stable.
Why Cough Can Be More Than Just a Cough
A persistent cough — one that lasts for weeks without improvement — can have many harmless causes, including allergies, infections, asthma, or post‑nasal drip. However, medical experts warn such a cough can be an early sign of something more serious.
According to respiratory specialists, a cough that doesn’t go away after eight weeks and doesn’t respond to typical treatments should raise red flags, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like chest pain, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or coughing up blood.
While less than 2 % of chronic coughs eventually turn out to be lung cancer, the risk increases significantly when coughing is persistent, worsening, or accompanied by other warning signs — and it’s something important not to ignore.
Moreover, cough as a symptom isn’t limited to lung cancer; it may signal other cancers or conditions involving nearby structures (including esophageal cancers), depending on individual risk factors.
The Diagnostic Challenge: Why Some Cancer Isn’t Treated Immediately
Medically, not all cancer diagnoses lead straight to treatment. Doctors may delay aggressive intervention for several clinical reasons:
1. Slow Progression and Watchful Waiting
Some cancers — including many neuroendocrine tumors — grow slowly and may not respond well to conventional therapies unless they are advanced. In these cases, specialists often recommend monitoring until there’s evidence of progression that could impact health or quality of life.
For Mrs. Ivory, that means living with the disease and undergoing regular scans to detect new tumor growth before considering next steps.
2. Balancing Treatment Risks vs. Benefits
Treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can be physically demanding and come with significant side effects. For slow‑growing tumors, the risks of early aggressive treatment may outweigh potential benefits, especially if the disease isn’t threatening organ function.
3. Misdiagnosis and Complexity of Symptoms
Because early cancer symptoms often mimic common conditions, many patients experience long diagnostic paths. For example, people with lung cancer often experience chronic cough, shortness of breath, or repeated chest infections, which can be initially misdiagnosed as bronchitis or other respiratory issues, thus delaying proper evaluation.
Why Early Detection Matters — And What You Can Do
Although slow‑growing tumors like NETs may not require immediate treatment, earlier detection generally improves prognosis for many cancer types. Many cancer organizations recommend paying attention to subtle body changes, especially when they are persistent — including unexplained coughs, fatigue, weight loss, or new pain.
Here’s how you can take charge of your health:
-
Track symptoms over time: Note how long symptoms persist and whether they worsen.
-
Seek medical evaluation early: If a cough lasts more than three weeks without a clear cause, request further investigation.
-
Advocate for yourself: Don’t accept dismissive explanations if symptoms continue or you feel something is wrong.
Remember, persistent coughing may be common — but it can also be one of the many early signs of cancer. Listening to your body and seeking timely medical help could make a life‑changing difference.
In Closing
The story of Kerrie Ivory — whose simple nagging cough turned out to be a rare form of incurable cancer — underscores the complexity and unpredictability of cancer detection. Some cancers may be slow, hidden, and initially untreatable, but awareness, persistence, and vigilant medical care remain vital tools for patients and caregivers alike.
