A mother-of-three is calling for improved education and more ‘smear testing’ for women after NHS clinicians failed to identify her cervical cancer for more than a year.
Steph Washington, 38, from Brierley Hill, waited more than 12 months for her cancer diagnosis after eight appointments with her GP and multiple emergency hospital visits left her in constant pain but with no clear idea what was wrong.
She is angry that, despite displaying ‘“classic” cervical cancer symptoms, numerous medical specialists failed to ensure the correct tests were carried out to rule out a serious condition, her legal team at West Midlands-based Talbots Law said.
Medics prescribed antibiotics
Instead, medics repeatedly prescribed her with antibiotics for bacterial vaginosis and suspected sexually transmitted infections (STIs), the law firm said.
After 12 months she was eventually given the heartbreaking news that she had stage four terminal cancer and potentially only years to live.
Steph, who has engaged the Talbots Law’s clinical negligence team, has recently been told by the NHS it admits medical negligence and accepts that, with an appropriate level of care, she would have received earlier treatment and potentially been cured.
“I’m so angry and frustrated. My life has been completely turned upside down, I can no longer look after my two younger children and I’m still in constant pain,” said Steph, who is currently receiving around-the-clock care from her parents.
A smear test in 2022 would have confirmed cancer diagnosis
“Having a smear test in April 2022, when my symptoms first started, would have confirmed my diagnosis or at least started the process that led to diagnosis. Instead, I kept being told I had vaginal infections – all the treatments unsurprisingly failed to work. The pain was getting worse, and I was constantly going back and forth to my GP and, later on, emergency visits to the hospital.
“I said to my mum that I had cancer, but the medical professionals were telling me it was all in my head. Then, nearly a year on from first having the symptoms, I was given the devastating news that I had stage four cervical cancer – a hammer blow in every sense of the word.”
Despite completing chemotherapy and radiotherapy, Steph’s condition has worsened and she is now reliant on her parents to help her complete everyday tasks.
10-stone weight loss
She remains in constant pain, barely leaves the house apart from medical appointments and has lost 10 stone in weight. Two of her three younger children also now have to live with their father.
This week she is set to have complicated exenteration surgery that, if successful, could potentially increase her life expectancy.
Rajni Kandola, senior solicitor at Talbots Law, said: “It has been a privilege to support Steph throughout her journey and I’m in awe of the strength and resilience she has shown whilst dealing with such a life-changing diagnosis.
“Despite the turmoil she has been put through, she joins us in remaining committed to ensuring that lessons are learnt. We are now working with the NHS to reach a settlement, which will ensure Steph receives the specialist care and support she needs to continue to navigate life with a life-limiting disease.
NHS admission of liability ‘bittersweet” – steps now to avoid same mistake with others
“The NHS’ admission of liability and apology is bittersweet for Steph. Whilst the admission is welcome, it’s vital that improvements are made to patient safety to prevent other women from going through what she unfortunately has.”
DIY home cervical screening tests
Steph added: “I’m also keen to back DIY home cervical screening tests on the NHS, which would help increase the number of women being screened and ultimately save lives – it would also take away some of the anxiety and make smear tests a lot easier to access”.
“If I’d have been offered a smear test in April 2022, my outcome could have been a lot different.”
