When Claire Barbery, a 51-year-old mother from the U.K., began snoring for the first time in her life, she assumed it was a minor nuisance—perhaps a lingering side effect of COVID-19 or irritation from frequent testing at her workplace. What she didn’t expect was that this seemingly harmless symptom would lead to a diagnosis of olfactory neuroblastoma, a rare and potentially life-threatening form of cancer. Her story is a powerful reminder of how even subtle changes in our bodies, like unexplained snoring, can signal serious underlying health issues.

Barbery initially noticed a nasal blockage on one side of her nose. Like many, she rationalized the discomfort, attributing it to common causes like post-viral inflammation. However, as the congestion worsened and she began waking herself up at night due to mouth breathing and snoring, she decided to seek medical advice. According to reports from SWNS and Fox News, she almost canceled the appointment, worried she might be wasting her doctor’s time. Reflecting on that moment, she later acknowledged that keeping the appointment may have saved her life.

After an unsuccessful trial of steroid nasal sprays, Barbery was referred to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist in January 2023. A series of scans and a biopsy revealed a 5-centimeter tumor in the upper part of her nasal cavity. The mass had already begun eroding the bone at the base of her skull. She was diagnosed with olfactory neuroblastoma, a rare cancer that originates in the olfactory nerve area and affects fewer than one in a million people annually.

The diagnosis marked the beginning of a complex and urgent medical journey. The tumor had spread through the skull base and into the bottom of the brain, raising the stakes significantly. The surgical team, led by consultant surgeon Shahz Ahmed at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, faced a high-risk operation. The tumor’s proximity to critical structures, including the brain’s main blood supply, introduced potential complications such as seizures, stroke, or even death.

Despite the risks, the surgery was successful. The team removed the tumor along with Barbery’s olfactory bulbs, which resulted in a permanent loss of her sense of smell. The procedure was so intricate that it was featured in the Channel 5 documentary "Surgeons: A Matter of Life or Death." Following surgery, Barbery underwent six weeks of chemotherapy and radiotherapy to address any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Now living in Newquay, Cornwall, Barbery is recovering steadily. She has begun to return to work and is spending cherished time with her husband and daughters. Her experience has motivated her to raise awareness about head and neck cancers, particularly those that can present with vague or easily overlooked symptoms. She recently partnered with the Get A-Head Charitable Trust to support World Head and Neck Cancer Day, using her voice to encourage others not to dismiss unusual health changes.

“If you know your body, then you’ve got to push,” she said. “If there’s something wrong, don’t ignore it.” Her words echo the central message of her story: early detection can be life-saving, and even minor symptoms like new-onset snoring deserve attention.

Olfactory neuroblastoma is an aggressive cancer that often goes undiagnosed until it has advanced, in part because its symptoms—nasal congestion, nosebleeds, or changes in smell—can mimic those of more common conditions. Barbery’s case illustrates the importance of persistence and self-advocacy in healthcare. I found this detail striking: despite her initial hesitation, her decision to follow through with a medical appointment changed the trajectory of her life.

Her recovery journey is ongoing, and she remains under regular medical observation. Still, her story is one of resilience and the power of timely medical intervention. For those experiencing unexplained symptoms—whether it’s persistent nasal blockage, snoring, or changes in breathing patterns—Barbery’s experience underscores the value of listening to your body and seeking professional advice.

In a world where healthcare systems are often stretched thin, it’s easy to second-guess whether a symptom is worth a doctor’s visit. But as Barbery’s story reveals, erring on the side of caution can be the difference between early treatment and a far more dangerous outcome. Her case is not just about rare cancer; it’s a broader call to take our health seriously, to advocate for ourselves, and to recognize that our bodies often send signals when something isn’t right.

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