I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at just 5

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, October 11, 2026

Jemima Leydon was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at age five, an uncommon occurrence given the disease’s typical onset in older women, and underwent emergency surgery and chemotherapy. Now cancer-free and studying medicine, she advocates for increased ovarian cancer research funding to improve treatments and patient outcomes.

Jemima Leydon’s diagnosis of ovarian cancer at the age of five places her among a rare minority, as the disease typically affects women around the age of 66. Two decades ago, shortly after starting kindergarten, Leydon began experiencing persistent stomach pain. Initially, her parents attributed her symptoms to a common stomach bug until a dinner conversation revealed a lump in her abdomen. A neighbor, who was a general practitioner, advised immediate medical evaluation, leading to scans at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

Within 48 hours of the discovery, Leydon underwent emergency surgery to remove one ovary, followed by several months of chemotherapy. Despite her young age, she understood the severity of her condition in a general sense but did not fully grasp its implications. Now 25 and living in Rose Park, Leydon remains cancer-free with one ovary intact. Her early battle with ovarian cancer heightened her awareness of health maintenance and concerns regarding fertility.

Leydon’s experience as a patient has influenced her career path. Currently studying medicine, she aims to incorporate her perspective into her future practice. “It’s important to work with your patients, reassure them, and listen to their concerns,” she said, emphasizing how her own journey shaped her approach to healthcare.

She expressed frustration over the slow progress in ovarian cancer treatments, attributing it largely to insufficient funding rather than a lack of research effort. “Since my diagnosis almost 20 years ago, treatment options have barely improved,” Leydon remarked, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by patients. She highlighted the toll this lack of advancement has had, pointing to the high number of preventable deaths linked to the disease.

Motivated by her personal experience, Leydon has become an active advocate for ovarian cancer research. As an ambassador for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, she has helped raise over $40,000 in the past eight years. While she acknowledges that her diagnosis shaped much of her life, she strives not to let it define her. Instead, she seeks to honor those who have not survived and to contribute to efforts aimed at improving outcomes for future patients.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.