Actress Olivia Williams, known for roles in The Sixth Sense and The Crown, has revealed she expects to never be cancer-free following a years-long diagnostic struggle. Williams detailed her health challenges in a recent interview, explaining that a rare pancreatic tumor was discovered only after numerous doctor visits over several years.
Williams experienced symptoms including aching limbs, fatigue, and chronic diarrhoea starting at age 46. She sought medical help across three countries, consulting ten doctors. Initial misdiagnoses included lupus and perimenopause.
One doctor even referred her for psychiatric assessment. Over four years, she visited medical professionals an estimated 21 times seeking answers for her worsening condition.
Eventually, a gastroenterologist in Los Angeles tested for a hormone produced by a specific rare tumor, discovering Williams had levels 300 times higher than normal. A subsequent CT scan revealed a 7cm by 4cm cancerous tumor in her pancreas.
Olivia Williams discussed her health journey, stating that an earlier diagnosis might have allowed a single operation to remove the tumor before it spread. Because the VIPoma was found late, it had already metastasized to her liver.
Though the primary tumor was removed along with parts of her pancreas, spleen, gallbladder, and liver, the metastases have persisted. News outlets covered Williams' statements regarding ongoing treatment to manage these growths, which continue to appear.
Williams has undergone multiple rounds of treatment, including microwave ablation and targeted internal radiotherapy with Lutathera. This therapy requires her to isolate afterwards due to radioactivity. Despite treatments, the metastases have not disappeared entirely.
The actress is now advocating for Pancreatic Cancer UK, supporting their efforts to fund research into early detection methods. Pancreatic cancer is notoriously difficult to diagnose early and has a low survival rate. Williams stresses the need for a simple, inexpensive test, such as a breath test, that could be administered at a GP's office.
Reports highlighted Williams' situation and her support for the charity's Shoes of Hope display, which represents lives lost to the disease. She emphasizes that while it is too late for her to be considered cancer-free, early testing could save others from the fate of late diagnosis.
Despite her health challenges, Williams has continued working, appearing in projects like The Crown, Dune: Prophecy, and stage productions. She maintains a pragmatic approach to her condition, focusing on living life fully while managing her health.