Chorley mum went to doctors ’12 times before tumour was found’

Mrs Helme said she had been repeatedly told she was likely to have thrush or bacterial vaginosis, despite saying she had no symptoms of either condition.

Partially-sighted Mrs Helme said she persisted and kept returning to the surgery, which was difficult because she could not drive herself there.

“If I was listened to the first time, that would have saved me going back and back and back,” she said.

“It’s very demoralizing going to the GP every single day,” she said.

She said she had been made to feel like a nuisance and that her self-esteem and mental health had been affected.

The NHS describes neuroendocrine tumours as rare tumours that can be either cancerous or non-cancerous. Those that affect the digestive system can cause diarrhoea and stomach pains, and, according to the health service, what causes them is “not fully understood”.

Mrs Helme, who is due to have surgery to remove the tumour next month, said she wanted GPs to “listen to their patients”.

A spokesperson for Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board said: “All primary and secondary care providers follow NICE and NHS England guidelines, and all GPs continually receive training to be able to perform their duties.

“Anyone who experiences changes to their body or recognises any signs and symptoms of cancer should contact their GP.”