Being diagnosed with cancer is rarely a straightforward journey. It begins with quiet, creeping symptoms, easily mistaken for stress, ulcers or fatigue. Then comes a cycle of hospital visits, referrals and months of uncertainty.

Patients see specialists, undergo countless scans, procedures and blood tests. Misdiagnoses are common. By the time a correct diagnosis is made, precious time has often slipped away.

For many, the real struggle begins not with the diagnosis but with navigating the system. Treatment often means juggling chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy and expensive drugs. There are side effects; nausea, fatigue, pain, hair loss and the emotional toll is just as heavy.