A teacher from Greater Manchester is urging others to trust their instincts and seek medical advice at the first sign of unusual symptoms after her own delayed visit to the GP led to a stage four cancer diagnosis.
Sharon is now urging people to visit their GP if they experience symptoms – like she did – which could be ovarian cancer.
Sharon Withington, 54, is a PE teacher at Stockport Grammar School. She first noticed a slightly swollen stomach in April 2024 but assumed it was weight gain. Fit, active, and eating healthily, she didn’t think much of it.
It wasn’t until September—five months later—when she began leaking urine that she went to her GP. Suspecting a urinary tract infection, Sharon was prescribed antibiotics, but the issue persisted. After a second round of antibiotics also had no impact she vowed to go back to her GP after a half-term adventure holiday with her students.
Sharon said: “I looked down and my stomach had grown massively. As a PE teacher, I knew I ate well and exercised regularly so I knew this wasn’t normal.”
Sharon was quickly referred for an ultrasound and blood tests. By November, a biopsy confirmed she had ovarian cancer which had spread to her liver. In December, she began treatment at The Christie Hospital in Manchester.
Her treatment has included chemotherapy to shrink the cancer, a 12-hour surgery in April 2025 where she had a full hysterectomy, followed by more chemotherapy and ongoing immunotherapy. Sharon now lives with a stoma bag which she has adapted to.
Despite being diagnosed at stage 4 – the latest stage when cancer can be diagnosed – recent scans have shown Sharon is now cancer free. However, once she finishes her current course of immunotherapy, she will switch to a tablet form of immunotherapy which she will take for the rest of her life. This is due to a genetic mutation that makes her risk of ovarian cancer coming back more likely.
Sharon said: “If I’d gone to the GP straight away, I might have avoided more invasive treatment. The NHS has been amazing. They’ve got your back! From the cleaners to the consultants everyone at both Stepping Hill and The Christie hospitals have been brilliant.”
Returning to teaching in July and hoping to be back full-time in September, which is also Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month, Sharon is now focused on recovery and resuming normal life.
She said: “It has taken a lot of personal and emotional strength to get here but I feel so fortunate. If this had happened 20 years ago, I might not have survived but the treatments now are amazing. Don’t be like me and think your symptoms will go away. Go to your GP if you have a swollen tummy or are weeing more frequently. With early detection and the advances in treatment, there’s hope. And I certainly have lots more I want to do.”
Dr Nadia Ali-Ross, Clinical Lead for Gynaecological Cancers at Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, said:
“Just 1 in 5 women know that persistent bloating can be a symptom of ovarian cancer. Knowing the symptoms could save a life. If you are experiencing symptoms like bloating, tummy pain, feeling full quickly or weeing more often, and these are persistent, frequent and new for you, don’t delay in making an appointment with your GP.”
