Julieann’s Story: My Son’s Germ Cell Cancer was Missed 7 Times

Julieann shares her story after her 24-year-old son Harrison was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic germ cell cancer following seven GP visits where his symptoms were dismissed.

Harrison, who previously battled stage 2 melanoma at just 14 years old, began experiencing persistent back pain, fatigue, vomiting and acid reflux in autumn 2025. He was told it was muscular pain and later gastritis. Antacids were prescribed and no scans were ordered.

By the time he was admitted to A&E in renal failure, doctors discovered a large tumour. Further investigations confirmed stage 4 metastatic germ cell cancer that had spread to his liver, lungs, lymph nodes and kidney.

“At one point we were told it was a 50/50 chance. As a parent, you hear that and it feels like a death sentence.”

Harrison underwent three rounds of aggressive chemotherapy at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London and now faces major surgery, including the loss of a kidney. His treatment journey was filmed as part of the Channel 5 series Barts: Our Hospital Through Time with Alice Roberts, offering rare insight into life on a specialist cancer ward.

During treatment, Harrison endured months of intensive chemotherapy while being documented by cameras. Actor David Tennant sent a personal message of support during his hospital stay.

Now recovering and preparing for surgery in March, Harrison and his family are determined to turn their ordeal into awareness.

Julieann has written a 36-page book titled ‘What a Balls Up’, named after Harrison’s dark-humoured reaction to his diagnosis, documenting the emotional journey from misdiagnosis to life-saving treatment. A Facebook page of the same name is helping raise awareness of testicular and germ cell cancers in young men.

Harrison and Julie appeared on Channel 5 series, Barts: Our Hospital Through Time with Alice Robert

The family is working with The Robin Cancer Trust and GatewayC to advocate for improved GP education around the signs and symptoms of cancer in teenagers and young adults.

“Had this been caught at stage 1, the treatment would have been very different, young men are being fobbed off because of their age. That has to change.” 

Harrison’s symptoms included persistent back pain, fatigue, vomiting after eating, acid reflux and imbalance, signs repeatedly attributed to minor conditions.

The Burkey family hope that by sharing Harrison’s story publicly, they can help ensure no other young person reaches stage 4 before being taken seriously.