A British teenager was initially reassured by medical professionals that there was no cause for concern, but was later diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.
Jack Constable, then 17 years old, visited the doctor in 2023 after noticing a lump on his back.
During an appointment with a nurse, Jack and his mother were informed that the lump was likely a pulled muscle and not a serious matter. Due to the absence of severe symptoms, Jack and his family dismissed the issue.
Jack’s mother, Katie, expressed her utter disbelief upon learning that her son had a significant health issue.
She recalled: “Jack had no symptoms whatsoever…he’s six foot three, he was slim. He was a normal healthy lad. There weren’t any symptoms. ‘Then he said one day omg what is this lump I’ve got cancer.’
“We went to see a nurse practitioner. She lifted Jack’s shirt she didn’t even touch him or examine him and within two minutes we were out she said ‘oh it’s just a pulled muscle don’t do anything and if it doesn’t go down come back in eight weeks’. Then to be told he’s got cancer was just horrendous.”
Eight weeks after the initial consultation, Jack’s tumor had expanded significantly, becoming visible through his clothing.
Despite the outcome, his mother does not hold the nurse accountable, stating, ‘why would you think that lump was cancer? We certainly didn’t, it didn’t cross our minds.’
Upon seeking further medical assistance eight weeks later, another nurse recognized the seriousness of Jack’s condition immediately.
Katie remarked: “Something didn’t feel right. In eight weeks, time I called and it was another nurse practitioner, who saw Jack, and as soon as she saw Jack said there’s no way that’s a pulled muscle.”
Jack was subsequently diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a rare cancer that typically originates in the bones and surrounding soft tissue.
Sadly, Jack, now 18, has been informed that his cancer is terminal. His family is pursuing life-prolonging treatment options in the United States.
They have launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise the substantial funds required for additional care and alternative therapies.
To date, £15,685 ($19,629) has been collected from nearly 300 contributors.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the American Cancer Society on 1-800-227-2345 or via their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.