'I got cervical cancer after a mistake with my smear test'

A mother diagnosed with cervical cancer more than three years after a failure to refer her to specialists when her smear test showed concerning results has called for lessons to be learned from her experience.

Shannon Dunkley, of Wombwell, Barnsley, underwent routine screening in January 2019 which showed borderline abnormal cell changes and that she had human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus which can cause cancer.

However, instead of being sent for further assessment and potential treatment, she was told to return to her GP surgery for routine testing every three years.

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been approached for a comment.

The 37-year-old midwife started experiencing symptoms, including bleeding, which became daily, as well as hip and pelvic pain in 2021.

The results of her next smear in May 2022 showed high-grade cell changes.

She was then diagnosed with advanced stage three cervical cancer which had spread to surrounding tissue.

A tumour measuring 4cm by 3.5cm was found.

Mrs Dunkley said: "I was concerned about my symptoms but still nothing prepared me for the news I had cancer.

"At that moment I knew life would change.

"It was a whirlwind of emotions. I was trying to take in the news - especially that I had advanced cancer - and I had so many concerns about how this happened given that I had always been for my smears."

Her 2019 test was audited again and it was found it had recorded high-grade cell changes.

She instructed expert medical negligence lawyers Irwin Mitchell to investigate whether her cancer could have been diagnosed sooner.

It comes after Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which was responsible for analysing her 2019 smear result, admitted a breach of duty.

Had her smear been accurately reported then her case would have been reviewed and she might have then undergone treatment to remove the cells by the end of 2019.

Her lawyer, Rosie Charlton, said they were pleased to have secured Mrs Dunkley the answers she needed.

"Worrying issues in the care she received have been admitted," she said.

"We're now working with the trust to secure a settlement so Shannon can access the specialist therapies and support she requires because of her cancer."

Ms Charlton said despite the issues in the case it was important women continued to take part in the screening programme and that early detection and treatment were "the key to beating cervical cancer".

Mrs Dunkley said she tried to remain positive following her diagnosis for her husband, Jason, and their two children.

She said the treatment had been "gruelling" and took a "physical and psychological toll" on her.

"I'd just qualified as a midwife and our family was complete. Then in a moment I was left contemplating what the future may hold for us."

She said she was still living with the effects of her treatment.

"I'm not as independent as I used to be, I feel like my quality of life has deteriorated and am anxious about my prognosis and whether the cancer will return."

Mrs Dunkley said she could not have got through the experience without the love and support of her family.

"I just hope that by sharing my story I can raise awareness of the issues I've faced to improve care for others."

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here.