With nine women diagnosed with cervical cancer in the UK every day, and just over 3,200 each year, cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women aged 35 and under. However, according to statistics, 99.8% of cervical cancer cases that happen in the UK are preventable. 

 

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week is here, falling from 17 – 23 January 2022, and our solicitors believe that this is an important time to help raise awareness, of cervical cancer, how diagnosis occurs, and the importance of a correct diagnosis. 

Due to the introduction of cervical screening for UK women, up to 75% of potent ill cervical cancer cases are now thought to be prevented. Cervical screening tests, also known more commonly as smear tests, are carried out to check the health of your cervix. A small sample of cells is taken from the cervix during the screening, which is then checked for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Cervical screenings aim to clearly identify, and subsequently treat, any changes or abnormalities in cervical cells before they turn into cancer. 

All women and people with a cervix aged between the ages of 25 and 64 should be invited for a smear test by letter. Somewhat controversially, existing NHS guidelines recommend that these cervical screenings should be carried out every three years for those between the age of 25 and 49, and every 5 years for those aged between 50 and 64. 

 

These age requirements have been a bone for contention, and has received considerable attention in the press. One story of a 23-year-old woman, Emma Swain, who sadly passed away due to undetected cervical cancer in 2014, has led to an increase in conversations and concerns over cervical cancer in people under the age of 25. In 2019, this age requirement was reviewed by the government, but stayed the same based off their research and findings. This was largely because younger women, under 25, often experience natural and harmless changes in the cervix that a screening could wrongly identify as dangerous cervical abnormalities leading to unnecessary treatment which can have adverse effects on future pregnancies. 

 

However, no matter your age, if you visit your GP showing signs or symptoms of cervical cancer, this should not be ignored, and the necessary screenings, test, and treatment should be carried out within the correct time frame. 

It was revealed in recent days that a 40-year-old woman is taking legal action after stage 3 cancer was found, despite her smear test results coming back clear. The mother-of-two has had to undergo a number of treatments for the cancer, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and has been left infertile and suffering number of other physical effects. 

 

While the smear test results came back clear, upon further inspection it has been discovered that the test should have been noted as showing high grade changes in her cells. If this had been the case, the necessary action and further tests and referrals could have been arranged, and the cancer could have been spotted and treated earlier. 

 

After the woman began legal action through a cancer misdiagnosis claim for medical negligence, the North Tees' Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, who were responsible for analysing the results of the test, originally denied a breach of duty, before later admitting that there had been a breach of duty. They also admitted the devastating outcome of this breach, admitting that if the results had been reported correctly, treatment could have been carried out, and the patient would not have developed cervical cancer. 

With cervical cancer being largely preventable, and one of the most successfully treatable forms of cancer when properly detected and managed, medical professionals following their duty of care to patients is vital in cases of cervical cancer. 

 

If, as part of your cervical cancer treatment and diagnosis, a doctor or medical professional has failed to do one of the following things, you might be eligible to make a no win no fee cervical cancer misdiagnosis claim: 

 

Unfortunately, the reason our medical negligence solicitors are so knowledgeable on cervical cancer, and NHS guidelines for diagnosis, is because we have acted on behalf of many clients over the years who have experienced delayed diagnosis of their cancer, or has test results misread, leading to worsening of their cancer, and even wrongful death in some sad cases. 

 

We know how devastating and hurtful it can be to have your duty of care broken by the medical professionals that you entrusted with your well-being, and how much of an impact a delayed diagnosis or delayed treatment can have on families. 

 

If you have developed cervical cancer, or suffered in any way, due to your cancer being misdiagnosed, diagnosis being delayed, or treatment being delayed, you could be eligible to make a no win no fee cancer misdiagnosis claim for financial compensation. To speak to a solicitor specialising in cancer misdiagnosis claims on a confidential, cost-free basis about your potential claim, simply contact us online here and speak to a solicitor within one working hour.