Local Mother's Battle with Cancer After Misdiagnosis
A mother of three, Denise Johnson, narrowly escaped death from breast cancer following medical negligence that repeatedly identified her life-threatening symptoms as a harmless cyst. Referred to Stafford County Hospital under a two-week urgent cancer referral scheme in 2019, she was concerned about a suspicious lump in her right breast. However, no biopsy was conducted, with the mammography and ultrasound results termed "indeterminate", and later downgraded after a surgeon's review.
Misguided Diagnosis
The 55-year-old healthcare assistant was told that the noted lump, measuring 1.5cm, was a cyst and did not require surgery. Instead, she was merely issued antibiotics and sent home. But Denise maintained a nagging worry about her health, leading her to consult doctors about her symptoms four separate times.
A Late Diagnoses
More than two years after her initial referral, a GP directed her to a breast clinic. Shockingly, tests divulged the lump had grown over twice in size to 3.8cm. Denise was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2021 and was left devastated when informed that the disease had metastasized to her lymph nodes.
Post-Treatment Complications
The Blythe Bridge, Stoke-on Trent resident underwent surgery for the removal of cancerous tissue and lymph nodes, supplemented by radiotherapy. As a consequence of her treatments, Denise developed lymphedema - a chronic condition causing swelling within the body's tissues.
"When I was told by the hospital that I had a cyst and didn't require further treatment, I felt reassured and relieved. However, as time went on, I started to get more worried especially as the appearance of the lump was changing and it started getting bigger," said Denise.
Admission of Negligence
Denise consulted medical negligence lawyers to probe into her treatment. In response, University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, which operates County Hospital, confessed to a breach of duty. They agreed that the delayed diagnosis significantly reduced Denise's chances of surviving cancer by almost half. Denise now endures annual mammograms to track any recurrence.
"One of the hardest things to accept was that my chance of survival had dropped quite dramatically because of the diagnosis delay." Denise lamented.
Compensation Promised
An NHS report unveiled the missed opportunity in 2019, marking that the delayed diagnosis caused her survival probability to plummet from an initial 98% to 57%. The Trust expressed regret for its care failings and promised future compensation.
In light of October marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Denise advocates for awareness of early signs of the disease.
"I just hope that by speaking out and sharing my experience I can help others. If they feel something isn't quite right they should trust their body and instinct and seek a second opinion if needed." Denise advised.