Brain cancer symptoms explained as author Sophie Kinsella dies aged 55

Bestselling author Sophie Kinsella has died at the age of 55.

The Shopaholic book series writer had been diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, in 2022. Her family said she died 'peacefully' in a statement shared on Wednesday (December 10).

The English author's final days were filled with her 'true loves,' including 'family, music, warmth, Christmas and joy,' the statement added.

Glioblastoma is the most common form of brain cancer and affects 300,000 people worldwide every year.

Kinsella's final book was published in late 2024, and was inspired by her experience.

Isla Fisher in 2009's Confessions of a Shopaholic (James Devaney/WireImage)

What Does It Feel Like? follows successful novelist Eve who faces a devastating brain tumor diagnosis and must learn to live, love and process grief.

Kinsella - real name Madeleine Wickham - was behind the popular Shopaholic book series published in the early 2000s. The first two novels were adapted into the hit Isla Fisher-lead romcom, Confessions of a Shopaholic.

Kinsella is survived by her husband of 34 years, Henry Wickham, and their five children.

Their statement added: "We can't imagine what life will be like without her radiance and love of life.

Kinsella was diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2022 (David Levenson/Getty Images)

"Despite her illness, which she bore with unimaginable courage, Sophie counted herself truly blessed - to have such wonderful family and friends, and to have had the extraordinary success of her writing career."

It concluded: "She took nothing for granted and was forever grateful for the love she received. She will be missed so much our hearts are breaking."

What are the symptoms of brain cancer?

Glioblastoma is an invasive and fast-growing form of brain cancer that starts as a growth of cells in the brain or spinal cord, as per Mayo Clinic. It can develop at any age but mainly affects 'older adults.'

More than 12,000 glioblastoma cases are diagnosed each year in the United States, according to the American Brain Tumor Association.

Mayo Clinic has listed 10 symptoms to look out for, which can mainly affect the head but can manifest in other, unexpected ways.

These include:

• Headaches, especially ones that hurt the most in the morning
• Vision changes, including blurred vision, double vision or loss of peripheral vision
• Difficulty speaking
• Nausea and vomiting
• Trouble with balance or coordination

Worsening headaches can be an indicator (Viktoriya Skorikova/Getty Images)

• Muscle weakness in the face, arms or legs
• A reduced sensation of touch
• Personality changes, including increased irritability and confusion
• Memory loss
• Seizures, especially in those who've never had seizures before

If you have any concerns, contact your doctor.

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