Olivia Williams, best known for her roles in The Crown and The Sixth Sense, has opened up about her battle with pancreatic cancer. Her story includes years of misdiagnoses and dismissals by doctors, a frustrating experience she now hopes to use to raise awareness.
Years of Misdiagnoses
Williams was eventually diagnosed with VIPoma, a rare neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas, but it took four years and visits to 10 doctors across three countries. Initially, she was misdiagnosed with lupus, perimenopause, and different types of cancer. At one point, doctors even referred her for a psychiatric assessment.
Regret Over Delayed Diagnosis
Williams expressed her frustration over the delay in diagnosis. She stated that if doctors had correctly diagnosed her earlier, one operation might have removed the entire tumor, potentially leaving her “cancer-free.” Instead, the cancer metastasized, and she could no longer claim to be free of the disease.
Ongoing Treatment
Despite multiple surgeries to remove the tumor and affected organs, the cancer spread. Williams is now undergoing targeted internal radiotherapy to manage the disease.
Advocating for Early Detection
Williams is also calling for better early detection methods for pancreatic cancer. She emphasized the need for a “cheap, early test” to help diagnose the disease sooner. As she put it, “I’m not looking for sympathy, I’m looking for a cheap, early test.”
Supporting Pancreatic Cancer UK
In addition to her treatment, Williams is supporting Pancreatic Cancer UK as the charity for the TCS London Marathon. Through this partnership, she hopes to raise both awareness and funds for research into this difficult-to-diagnose disease.
Emphasizing Vigilance
Williams concluded with a passionate plea for vigilance and early detection. She explained, “This is where I get emotional,” underscoring the critical importance of addressing the disease before it becomes advanced.
