'Doctors recorded my smear test results incorrectly - it cost me my chance of avoiding cancer'

Mum Frances Kavanagh knew the importance of having health checks. So when she was offered a smear test to check for cervical cancer she took it.

The now 44-year-old was told all was OK and she carried on with life as normal. However the reality was she was living with a ticking timebomb as the smear had actually flagged a problem.

And eight years down the line Frances was diagnosed with cervical cancer which has now left her with a stoma and the possibility of further surgery in future. The Bristol mum told how results from that first smear showed high-grade cell changes, which should have prompted the offer of a procedure to remove the cells.

But she was told the changes had been borderline and advised to attend a routine follow-up smear test. A follow-up test four years later in 2013 was also classed as showing borderline cell changes.

But it was only in June 2017, another test revealed severe cell changes – and Frances was diagnosed with cervical cancer, which had spread to her lymph nodes. She underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy and brachytherapy, developing bowel, bladder and kidney problems after the gruelling treatment.

And apart from being left with the permanent stoma she has been warned she could need a kidney transplant in future She has also been left with an expected reduction in her long-term survival.

Frances, who has two children, Chloe, 27, and Karlos, 24, and three grandchildren, has been given the all-clear from cancer after her intense treatment, but still lives with the effects of her illness. She said: “It’s almost impossible to find the words to describe what the last few years have been like.

“After my third smear test when I was told I had severe cells changes, deep down I knew it was serious, but nothing still prepared me for the news that it was cancer. I was absolutely devastated.

“The treatment, particularly while trying to come to terms with my diagnosis was difficult, not just physically but emotionally. It was gruelling and I suffered extreme fatigue, lost weight and started developing problems with my bladder.

“While I’ve been told that I’m cancer free I remain nervous that it might come back. I now also have to live with my other issues which have a profound effect on me. I’m mindful of my appearance, particularly because of my stoma and have been told that I might have to undergo a kidney transplant in the future.

“I feel like my quality of life has deteriorated and I don’t really have a social life outside of my family. My family have been amazing through all of this and I’m so thankful to them for their support. I’d be lost without them.

“If I’d have been told my initial smear result was abnormal and the best option would be to have the cells removed, I absolutely would have agreed to the procedure. I wouldn’t wish anyone to go through what I have. I just hope that by speaking out I can raise awareness of the issues I’ve faced to improve care for others.

"It’s also important women feel they don’t have to go through cervical cancer alone as help and support is available.”

Frances sought help from medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell, seeking help to access the specialist rehabilitation and support she requires – and is calling for lessons to be learned from her story this Cervical Cancer Prevention Week. Following legal submissions by Irwin Mitchell, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust admitted a breach of duty in that Frances’ 2009 smear test was incorrectly reported.

It admitted that if Frances’ test had been correctly reported she would have been referred for an assessment and offered a procedure to remove cells. If Frances had undergone the procedure she would have avoided the development of invasive cancer, the requirement for chemotherapy and radiotherapy and its side effects, as well as the reduction in her long-term survival

James Pink, the specialist medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Frances, said: “The last few years and coming to terms with her diagnosis and its impact has been incredibly difficult for not only Frances but her family. Understandably she had a number of concerns about her diagnosis and whether more could have been done to prevent her cancer developing.

“While nothing can make up for what she’s been through and continues to face, we’re pleased that we’ve at least been able to secure Frances the answers she deserves. Worrying issues in the care she received have been admitted.

"We’re now working with the Trust to secure a settlement so Frances can access the specialist therapies she requires because of her cancer. However, in the meantime it’s vital that lessons are learned to improve patient safety.

“Despite the issues highlighted in Frances’ case, it’s important women continue to take part in the screening programme. Through our work we sadly see the impact that cancer can have and how early detection and treatment are key to beating it.”

Cervical Cancer Prevention Weeks runs from 22-28 January and is organised by the charity Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust. For more information visit www.jostrust.org.uk