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On November 15, 2024, television personality Davina McCall revealed her diagnosis of a "very rare" brain tumour known as a colloid cyst. The discovery came after a health scan, offered during a talk on menopause, detected the tumour. Despite being benign, the tumour's size (14mm) and location necessitated a craniotomy to prevent regrowth.
Davina shared on Instagram, “A few months ago, I did a menopause talk for a company, and they offered me a health scan... I thought I was going to ace it, but it turned out that I had a benign brain tumour… which is very rare, three in a million.”
Her experience highlights the importance of medical self-advocacy and awareness. In response, BBC Radio Leeds engaged with Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity's (YBTC) Ambassador, Ellie, to discuss timely diagnoses and patient support.
Ellie’s Story: A Personal Perspective
In 2015, at just 18 years old, Ellie Sayers, an ambassador for YBTC, experienced debilitating headaches that months of medical appointments couldn’t resolve. Her breakthrough came during a severe episode while on holiday, which led to an emergency hospital visit. An MRI scan revealed a benign brain tumour.
Ellie recounted her experience to BBC Radio Leeds, explaining the challenges of brain tumour surgery, and what Davina could expect from her craniotomy procedure:
“They’ll remove part of her skull to remove the tumour. It can be a long surgery with a long recovery, and sometimes there are aftereffects… Brain tumours can affect your movement, memory, and other things you might not know until after surgery.”
The Challenges of Diagnosing Brain Tumours
Brain tumour symptoms often mimic other conditions, making diagnoses more challenging. Many tumours grow slowly, with subtle symptoms until they become disruptive. According to a survey by The Brain Tumour Charity, over a third of patients visited their GP more than five times before receiving a diagnosis.
BBC Radio Leeds presenter Rima Ahmed noted Davina’s surprise upon discovering her tumour:
“It’s surprising that she had no clue… It seems like a real shock to her.”
Ellie reflected on her own journey, recalling how her symptoms were initially dismissed as normal headaches:
“I’d been to the doctor, and they said it’s just normal headaches. It got to the point where I was so poorly that I ended up in A&E… Within three days, I was in surgery.”
She emphasised how easy it is to underestimate symptoms:
“You never expect it to be so bad. You just think, ‘It’s a headache. It’s fine. Carry on.’ But you don’t expect the worst.”
Support and Advocacy through YBTC
Ellie’s involvement with YBTC comes from her desire to give back to the community. Through fundraising events like skydives and zip lines, she’s helped raise essential funds for research and patient support.
She explained the vital role of organizations like YBTC:
“They support anyone affected by brain tumours throughout Yorkshire—financially, emotionally, and through peer support groups and well-being walks. They also invest in research to find kinder treatments and quicker detection methods.”
Ellie stressed the need for increased funding, highlighting that brain tumour research receives less than 5% of cancer research funding.
Raising Awareness
Celebrity advocacy plays a crucial role in raising awareness of brain tumours. Ellie noted that many people are unaware of the symptoms, sharing:
“It’s not talked about enough… I openly share my story on social media, and many people have reached out, asking if they should see a doctor for similar symptoms. Getting the word out is so important.”
Symptoms to Watch For
Ellie outlined key symptoms to monitor, urging people to consult a doctor if they experience them:
Persistent headaches
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Constant pressure in the head
Symptoms that don’t respond to painkillers
“It might not be a brain tumour, but it could be something else serious. Always get checked… Brain tumours affect young people, teenagers, and even fit adults like Davina.”
Conclusion
Davina McCall’s diagnosis has shone a spotlight on the hidden dangers of brain tumours and the importance of medical self-advocacy. Stories like Ellie’s underscore the need for timely diagnoses and robust support systems.
But despite organisations like YBTC playing a pivotal role in supporting patients and advancing research, more awareness and funding are still needed. Whether through personal vigilance or spreading awareness, we can all play a role in the fight against brain tumours.
For more information or to get involved, visit Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity.
To listen to the full interview with Ellie, click below:
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