Alice Chawner's Fall Leads to Early Brain Tumor Diagnosis and Advocacy

Alice Chawner, a 25-year-old college student, discovered she had a brain tumor following a fall at the University of Manchester. After falling down 15 concrete steps in her residence hall, she initially suspected a concussion. A medical student advised her to seek hospital care, where an MRI scan revealed a low-grade glioma, a type of brain tumor. This crucial intervention led to an early diagnosis, potentially preventing a more advanced discovery later.

"She reported experiencing few symptoms apart from some seizures, suggesting that the early detection through the fall prevented a later, more advanced discovery."

A Challenging Treatment Journey

Between 2021 and 2024, Chawner underwent five surgeries to manage the tumor and an associated infection, which allowed her to complete her college degree.

However, in June 2025, her tumor progressed to grade four, and a new tumor was identified in a different part of her brain. This significant development occurred after she had undergone an egg retrieval procedure, intended for fertility preservation.

Exhausting Options, Exploring New Hopes

Chawner has since completed 10 cycles of emergency radiotherapy, having exhausted the available treatment options within the United Kingdom. Her family is now exploring immunotherapy vaccines as a potential treatment option in Germany. This search for alternative treatments highlights the urgency and severity of her current condition.

Advocating for Earlier Detection

Chawner is now a passionate advocate for increased efforts in earlier brain tumor detection, including more regular brain scans. She emphasizes the vital importance of early diagnosis, noting that many individuals discover tumors at a late stage (grade four) when treatment options are critically limited. Her personal experience underscores the life-saving potential of early detection in the fight against brain tumors.