Leeds mum says cancer breakthrough gave her a future

Maria Elliott is backing a Cancer Research UK campaign to drive more life-saving advances.   

The mum-of-two was initially diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. Maria, who lives in north Leeds, faced a lumpectomy and 15 sessions of radiotherapy. She had a full preventative hysterectomy the following year after heavy bleeding. 

Although she worried the cancer would return, Maria threw herself into charity fundraising and volunteering. 

During the Covid pandemic, Maria started to experience pain when eating and problems with her bowels. She assumed she might have gallstones, IBS or a hernia. But following a delayed CT scan, Maria was absolutely devastated to be diagnosed with cancer in her left lung.

The new cancer was completely unrelated to the initial breast cancer. 

Maria was booked in for surgery to remove the tumour using a robotic arm. However, when she came round from the general anaesthetic, her husband David and the surgeon were sat at the end of her bed. The cancer was so advanced that it was inoperable and surgery had to be abandoned. 

Maria said that day on the hospital ward felt like an instant “death sentence” as she was told she had less than 12 months to live and needed chemotherapy treatment as soon as possible. 

However, the day before she was due to start chemotherapy, results came back on a tissue sample which had been sent away for tests before the planned surgery. 

Maria was told she has a mutation in the EGFR gene which can cause lung cancer. 

Cancer Research UK researchers discovered that EGFR molecules, made according to our genes’ instructions, can help cancers grow.

This discovery then inspired scientists to develop drugs that can block EGFR. Now, doctors can test if EGFR is causing a person’s cancer to grow and give them targeted drugs to stop it. 

Maria, aged 58, takes a daily tablet and has scans every three months. She is currently disease free. 

Maria credits Cancer Research UK with helping to save her life and said: “I’d had no symptoms which would suggest I had lung cancer, so it was an absolute bolt from the blue to be diagnosed with the disease. And an even bigger shock to find out surgery couldn’t go ahead. 

“I feel lucky to have been diagnosed at a time when there is so much exciting research happening and new medications for different mutations.    

“I know I may not be here for every one of my children’s milestones, but I am incredibly grateful to open my eyes every morning.  I love my family and I love my life, so will pursue any treatment I am deemed fit for.  

“I don’t do negativity – it’s too hard to carry around.  I like lightweight things - laughter, love, friends and family.” 

Maria understands the power of research more than most. That’s why she’s urging people across Yorkshire to donate monthly to the charity to help fund more breakthroughs that matter.  

Thanks to huge strides in prevention, detection and treatment, UK cancer death rates have reached a record low and, with a 10 per cent fall in Yorkshire in the last decade alone, more people can now make memories, celebrate milestones and enjoy more precious time with their loved ones.   

Maria added: “Stories like mine simply wouldn’t be possible without vital funds to keep the charity’s researchers working towards more ‘Eureka!’ moments. But cancer remains the UK’s biggest killer, so we must continue to back research into new and better ways to beat this devastating disease. I know first-hand it’s bringing hope to thousands.   

“So, I hope people across the region will give what they can.”  

Thanks to the generosity of its supporters, Cancer Research UK has helped double cancer survival in the UK over the past 50 years.  

The charity’s spokesperson for the North, Jane Bullock, said: “With new technologies opening doors to new discoveries, we’re living in a golden age of research. But with nearly 1 in 2 people set to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, there’s so much more to do.   

“Cancer Research UK is the world’s largest charitable funder of cancer research. More support right now could fuel faster progress than ever before and help more people like Maria live longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer. Together, we can power the next wave of breakthroughs.”  

Donate to life-saving research at cruk.org/breakthroughs