Carys started to notice her body and her mood changing at just 10-years-old, without knowing the shocking truth why
Carys was 10 years old when she was first diagnosed (Image: Noah’s Ark Children’s Charity)
At just 10 years old “everything changed” for Carys, from Newport, as she started to notice changes in both her mood and her body.
In December, 2022, she began to feel like she wasn’t herself anymore as she felt moody, constant fatigue, lack of appetite and her stomach began to swell. Taken to the doctor by her mum, a urine sample was requested to try to find the cause and the results were a shock to the family.
Carys, now 13, said: “When the doctor asked for a urine sample, my wee was bright orange, like Fanta. After they examined me. I could tell by their face that something wasn’t right.” Read here about the red flag signs your hormones are out of balance.
Carys’s stomach had begun to swell (Image: Noah’s Ark Children’s Charity)
The schoolgirl was told she had ovarian cancer and that a “huge” germ cell tumour (17cm x 9cm) was on her right ovary, so big it was pushing her organs out of place, making it hard for her to breathe.
After four rounds of chemotherapy, Carys had a five-hour operation to remove the tumour and one of her ovaries in May, 2023. Stay informed on the latest health news by signing up to our newsletter here
She said: “I was terrified of losing my hair and looking different, but my scars and short hair became part of my story. I missed most of year 6, but I made it back for the last few weeks and even prom. On 1st September, 2023, I rang the bell and started high school.”
Unfortunately, Carys’s cancer journey did not stop there as her “worst fear came true.”
In March, 2025, doctors found she had relapsed with sarcoma in her pelvis and abdomen, meaning she would return to chemotherapy and lay on the surgery table once more.
After six rounds of treatment and another 4-hour surgery in August, doctors have spoken about Carys getting a full hysterectomy at just 13 years old, whilst they wait for the results.
Although Carys has been through a tough time at such a young age, she remains optimistic as she says she has learned her own strength.
Carys remains positive for her future (Image: Noah’s Ark Children’s Charity)
She said: “The last two and a half years have been really hard. I’ve missed out on so much, but I’ve learned how strong I am. My scars tell my story, and I’m proud of them.
“This Childhood Cancer Awareness Month I want to say to every kid fighting or who has fought cancer, you are strong, you are brave, and you should be so proud of yourself. No child should ever go through cancer.
“Thanks to Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital and the ‘rainbow family’ of parents who’ve supported us, we’ve never felt alone.”
Carys has hopes of living like a “normal teenager” again as she is looking forward to the possibility of returning to school after Christmas this year.