Mum, 37, shocked to be given cancer diagnosis after NHS wrongly gave ‘normal’ smear test result 4 years prior
A MUM-OF-ONE can’t have more children after cervical cancer was missed in her test results.
Louise Ingham, 37, had a smear test in 2016 following previous cervical treatment.
Her results were reported as normal, and she was told to return to routine screening.
However, four years later, in 2020, Louise, from Droylsden in Greater Manchester, began experiencing painful periods, brown discharge, and a heavy sensation in her pelvis.
“I’d never had any reason to question test results before, so when I was told my smear was normal and I could go back to routine screening, I was pleased,” Louise said.
“So when I started getting symptoms, I didn’t think it was much of anything.”
Her next smear test revealed she was positive for human papillomavirus (HPV), and a follw up MRI scan showed a large tumour.
Diagnosed with stage 2 cervical cancer, Louise was horrified to discover her 2016 smear had been misreported, missing high-grade changes.
“It came as a huge shock when I found out that I had cancer, and it was a double blow when I was told my 2016 smear had been misreported,” she explained.
“It’s just not something that ever crossed my mind.”
Louise underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy and another form of cancer treatment called brachytherapy.
But due to chemotherapy complications, she was plunged into early menopause and can no longer have children.
“I always dreamed of having more children, which has sadly been taken away from me,” she said.
“I almost feel incomplete in a way as I would have loved to have had a big family and a sister or brother for Milah.”
Despite her challenges, Louise remains determined to stay positive.
“I try not to dwell on the things I can’t change and am grateful for the help and support I do have,” she said.
‘Nothing will make up for the ordeal that Louise has been through’
Louise opened a shop, House of Grace, in Droylsden, where she sells bath bombs, oils, and candles.
“It gives me purpose and a way to find a new path for me and my family,” she explained.
She’s also using her story to raise awareness for Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, with a raffle to raise vital funds.
“I know I’m one of the lucky ones to have beaten cancer and still be here, so I just hope that by sharing my story, I can help others going through what I have,” Louise said.
Louise instructed medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate her case.
They are working with the hospital trust to secure compensation to fund her ongoing care.
Ayse Ince, a specialist medical negligence lawyer, commented: “Louise and her family have suffered an incredibly difficult time trying to process her diagnosis and what it means for the future.
“While nothing will make up for the ordeal that Louise has been through, and the physical and emotional impact it continues to have on her and the family, we do now have some answers and continue to work with the Trust to bring Louise’s case to a conclusion.”
‘Very sorry’
The Manchester University Foundation NHS Trust, which was responsible for analysing Louise’s 2016 test has since apologised.
Irwin Mitchell confirmed the Trust admitted that had the results been reported correctly, Louise would have received the right treatment in 2016, and her cervical cancer “would have been prevented.”
The Hospital Trust said it was “very sorry” for the “poor care” that Louise received.
How to protect yourself against cervical cancer
CERVICAL cancer is most commonly diagnosed in women in their early 30s, with around 3,200 new cases and 850 deaths each year in the UK.
According to Cancer Research UK (CRUK), the five-year survival rate is around 70 per cent – and the earlier it is caught, the better.
Cervical screening programmes and HPV vaccines have reduced rates and save 4,000 lives each year.
It is vital you attend your smear test and get jabbed when invited, and that you know the symptoms of cervical cancer to look out for.
These aren’t always obvious, and they may not become noticeable until the cancer has reached an advanced stage.
But you might notice:
- Unusual bleeding (often after sex, between periods, or after the menopause)
- Pain and discomfort during sex
- Vaginal discharge (often unpleasant smelling)
- Pain in your lower back, between your hip bones or in your lower tummy
Women are invited to have regular cervical screenings between the ages of 25 and 64. How often depends on your age.
The HPV vaccine, which helps protect against the virus, is recommended for children aged 12 to 13 and people at higher risk from HPV.
Source: NHS and Cancer Research UK