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Diagnosed Three Times Before 25 — But Cancer Didn’t Win



Katherine Murrell was just 16 years old when she was diagnosed by cancer, interviewed by Interview by Caroline Scott.


"I was told I had cancer. I knew something wasn’t right, but cancer never even crossed my mind. It was my GP who took the first step, arranging blood tests and referring me to a haematologist. Then came the diagnosis that turned my world upside down: stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma. It felt surreal, like I was floating outside my body while someone else’s life fell apart. My mum and dad were with me when I heard the news, but even their presence couldn’t buffer the shock or ease the uncertainty that suddenly clouded my future.


I had to start chemotherapy and radiotherapy immediately. Three months into the treatment, I suddenly became breathless and was rushed to The Royal Marsden. I had developed a pulmonary embolism. It was terrifying, but I’ll never forget how kind and calm the ambulance crew were. Having cancer so young was brutal—not just for me, but for my entire family. My mum and dad came with me to every appointment, every scan, and every long day in a hospital chair. Their quiet strength carried me through.


After a long and painful journey, I reached remission. But cancer wasn’t done with me yet. In November 2021, I had just finished my emergency technician training when I discovered a lump on my neck. The fear came rushing back. Given how much radiation I’d already had to my chest, I began to seriously consider the future risk of breast cancer. That fear became a motivator. I told myself that if I survived again, I would dedicate my life to helping others. I wanted to join the ambulance service and one day work alongside the Metropolitan Police in their Tactical Response Unit.


The treatments continued. I had to swallow a radioactive capsule and go into isolation for 48 hours—a strange and lonely experience. A year later, I had to do it all over again when more cancer cells were found in my left breast. Then, in September 2023, yet another recurrence hit—this time also in my breast. But when treatment worked and I was finally told the cancer was gone, the relief was indescribable. I was overwhelmed with gratitude, but also hesitant. I'd been here before.


Now, at 27, I’m cancer-free. But life after treatment hasn’t been easy. I struggled with survivor’s guilt and PTSD. I’d be chatting with someone in treatment one week, and the next… they were gone. That kind of loss stays with you. For a long time, it was difficult to enjoy anything that resembled “normal life.” But that began to change when I joined the London Ambulance Service as an apprentice. I started studying to become a paramedic and slowly found my rhythm again. The job gave me purpose—it helped me stop worrying so much about my own health and start focusing on helping others with theirs.


Through it all, my partner Liam has been by my side. He’s a police officer and one of the few people who has always seen me, not the cancer. Last year, we made the decision to freeze 14 eggs and four embryos, giving us the hope of building a future together—on our terms.


The past 11 years have shaped me in ways I never expected. Living with and surviving cancer taught me empathy, resilience, and a deep appreciation for every single day. I love my job, and I’m more determined than ever to qualify as a paramedic and join the Tactical Response Unit. I know I’ll always be under the care of The Royal Marsden, but instead of looking back with fear, I now look forward—with hope, purpose, and a heart full of fight


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