A NORTH East mum who was diagnosed with stage three cervical cancer has spoken out about her smear test was incorrectly classed as negative.

The 40-year-old, from Thornaby, in Teesside, has been through chemotherapy, radiotherapy and brachytherapy and is now infertile and going through the menopause as a result of her illness.

The mum-of-two was diagnosed with stage three cancer, which had spread to her pelvis, in 2019, three years after her test result was classed as clear.

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It should have been recorded as showing high grade changes in cells.

She returned to her doctor in 2018 as she was experiencing heavy bleeding and a further smear test in 2019 found abnormal cells. She was subsequently diagnosed with caner.

The mum-of-two, who wanted to share her story as part of cervical cancer awareness week, said: "When the result of my smear test came back as suspicious I was apprehensive. I tried not to think about it too much but deep down I knew something wasn’t right.

"Despite this it was still devastating when I was told I had cancer. Nothing can prepare you for those words.

“My treatment was really difficult both physically and emotionally. I was that drained from the treatment and felt so sick that I struggled to get out of bed and was totally reliant on my family for everything. I couldn’t have coped without them.

“I’ve been told by the doctors that I’ve responded well to treatment but I’ve been hugely affected by my diagnosis. I still live with the physical and psychological effect of what’s happened.

“Cervical cancer is a terrible disease that just doesn’t affect those diagnosed but also their family and friends. The condition has had a major impact on my life. I just hope that by speaking out others become more aware of the symptoms and that the trust improves how it records results so others don’t have to go through what I have.

"People diagnosed with the cancer shouldn’t feel that they have to suffer alone. There is help and support out there.”

One of the aims of cervical cancer awareness week, which takes place this week, is to encourage women to take up the offer of cervical screening and raise awareness of symptoms, which include unusual vaginal bleeding, changes to discharge, pain during sex and lower back pain.

The woman, who does not want to be named, instructed medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate, who found an audit of her test in 2016 had been carried out.

The audit, which the woman said she had not been told about, concluded the result showed high grade severe dyskaryosis – changes in cells.

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust admitted a breach of duty and said if the patient’s test had been accurately reported she would have undergone appropriate treatment, the law firm reported.

A spokesperson for the trust said: "North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust apologises unreservedly for this error and subsequent delayed diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer.

"We wholeheartedly agree how important it is for all women to take up their cervical screening invitations and to access medical advice if they have any concerns."

Alexis Tulloch, medical negligence lawyer, said: “Our client has been left devastated by her diagnosis, her subsequent treatment and the impact it’s had on her life.

“During the course of our investigations worrying issues about how her smear result was wrongly interpreted and the subsequent audit, which she was unaware of, came to light.

The Northern Echo: Medical negligence lawyer Alexis Tulloch, of Irwin Mitchell

"Transparency is key to maintaining public confidence in the health service and it’s vital that lessons are now learned to improve patient safety.

“Our client has shown great bravery in sharing her story in the hope of helping others. We’ll continue to support her so she can access the specialist support she requires to try and look to the future.

“It’s also important to remember that cervical cancer is a treatable disease with a good long term prognosis when diagnosed early. Therefore women need to attend regular smear appointments and be aware of the symptoms, and if needed, seek medical advice at the earliest possible opportunity.”

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