A 30-year-old physician who dedicated her career to treating cancer patients tragically passed away just seven months following her own diagnosis, despite her ability to identify a rare symptom that might have gone unnoticed by others.
Originally from the UK, Becca spent a formative eight years in the United States during her childhood. She attended Our Lady of the Assumption in Sacramento, enjoyed trips to Disneyland, soaked up the California sun, and developed a love for skiing on family outings to Lake Tahoe each winter.
In 2007, her family, consisting of five members, returned to the UK. There, Becca pursued her education and ultimately embarked on a career in medicine, specifically in the oncology department. Her interest in this field was sparked by a documentary about Great Ormond Street children’s hospital in London.
However, as she was in her second year of medical training, Becca noticed an unusual symptom. After returning from a night out in June 2023, she found herself unable to go to the bathroom.
She promptly went to the emergency department of the Poole hospital where she worked in southern England. It was a few days later when a related symptom led to further medical examination.
“She noticed that her tummy was distended for a few days afterwards,” her sister Sophie mentioned in a video for Stand Up To Cancer.
Becca’s consultant observed the abdominal swelling and ordered a scan, which unveiled a large ovarian cyst measuring about 5.5 inches. Although the cyst was removed, her symptoms persisted.
Becca’s mother, Monica, recounted how initial tests did not appear ‘ominous,’ with most cancer markers showing normal results. However, her father Martin noted, “I think she knew things still weren’t right.”
Becca underwent another surgery to further investigate her condition, with her family hopeful for a positive outcome.
Tragically, her doctors, who were also her colleagues, diagnosed her with a rare and aggressive form of ovarian cancer that had metastasized to her breasts, lungs, and lymph nodes.
She was then moved to the oncology ward where she had previously worked. Her sister remarked, “The ward she was on, being looked after, she’d worked with them. They were her colleagues. She was the patient.
“They were the carers, she’s been on the other side of that.”
Sophie became emotional recounting the events that followed, as her sister’s condition worsened, leading her to shave her hair during chemotherapy.
Despite the tough circumstances and her medical knowledge of her illness, photos show Becca still smiling.
“Our nickname for Becca, as a small baby, was Smiler,” her mother recalled, with her father adding, “People I don’t think ever saw Becca not smiling.”
After her initial chemotherapy session, the results seemed promising, prompting Becca to inquire about returning to work. However, when she noted her stomach was ‘a bit swollen,’ their optimism was dashed.
The cancer had advanced to her bowel, leaving no additional treatment options. Her family stayed by her side constantly, ensuring she was never alone.
Seven months following her first symptom, Becca passed away surrounded by her loved ones.
Her mother poignantly reflected on Becca’s last moments, saying, “She lay into my shoulder. When she came into this world, I held her, and as she left this world, I held her too.”
You can donate to Stand Up To Cancer here.