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Woman Misdiagnosed With Breast Cancer Undergoes Double Mastectomy And Chemotherapy

Unity Blott

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| Last updated 

Woman Misdiagnosed With Breast Cancer Undergoes Double Mastectomy And Chemotherapy

Featured Image Credit: SWNS

A 25-year-old woman was forced to endure a double mastectomy and months of chemotherapy after doctors wrongly diagnosed her with breast cancer.

Mother-of-two Sarah Boyle, from Stoke-on-Trent, was devastated when medics told her she had triple negative breast cancer - a rare form of the killer disease - in 2016.

The 25-year-old underwent several rounds of gruelling chemotherapy before having both breasts removed to prevent the 'disease' from spreading.

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But in June 2017, doctors at Royal Stoke University Hospital discovered her biopsy had in fact been misread, which had led to her devastating misdiagnosis.

In a shocking twist, Sarah was also told that having reconstructive surgery could increase the risk of her developing the disease in the future.

Doctors wrongly diagnosed Sarah with breast cancer following a botched biopsy (SWNS)
Doctors wrongly diagnosed Sarah with breast cancer following a botched biopsy (SWNS)

She was also informed that the cancer treatment may lead to fertility issues, but fortunately she went on to have a second child, Louis, who is now 13 months old.

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While Sarah's experience is rare, she is now calling for cutting edge artificial intelligence (AI) technology to be more widely used in hospitals to avoid tragic blunders happening to other women.

Just this week, scientists heralded a breakthrough in cancer diagnosis using computer algorithms to slash the number of false results.

The young mum had to undergo months of chemotherapy (Credit: SWNS)
The young mum had to undergo months of chemotherapy (Credit: SWNS)

Sarah, now 28, lives with sons Teddy, Louis and her husband of five years, Steven, 31.

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She said: "Even now it is so difficult to try and describe what has happened to me. To be told you have cancer and it's uncommon for someone your age was hard enough to take in.

"But then to be told after months of horrific treatment that it was all unnecessary is something I'm not sure I'll ever fully come to terms with.

"It's not just the physical effects that I have been left with but also the mental torture of what I've been through. A misdiagnosis of cancer can ruin people's lives and some people may not be as fortunate to survive.

Fortunately, Sarah has been able to welcome a second child despite infertility fears (Credit: SWNS)
Fortunately, Sarah has been able to welcome a second child despite infertility fears (Credit: SWNS)
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"It is vital to raise awareness of the consequences that families can be left to face because of errors. Anything that helps reduce the number of people affected by a misdiagnosis or allows others to receive treatment more quickly has to be welcomed."

Sarah was aged just 25 when she was misdiagnosed following the birth of her youngest child. She was later informed by her surgeon that her biopsy had in fact been incorrectly reported and it was confirmed that she did not have cancer.

The young mum asked specialist lawyers to investigate the case, which resulted in an admission of liability from University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust.

Sarah Sharples, expert medical negligence lawyer who represented Sarah, said: "What Sarah and her family have had to endure is truly shocking and the effect of what happened continues to impact on their lives.

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Mum-of-two Sarah is now celebrating a happy and healthy 2020 with her family (Credit: SWNS)
Mum-of-two Sarah is now celebrating a happy and healthy 2020 with her family (Credit: SWNS)

"Sarah has suffered significant psychological trauma as a result of what she has been through, and also continues to endure ongoing symptoms caused by her treatment.

"The use of technology should not replace human input but technological advances that can complement and assist medical professionals to improve care and lessen waiting times and anxiety for patients should be welcomed."

The NHS Trust stated that the misdiagnosis was down to "human error" and apologised to Sarah.

A spokesperson said: "A misdiagnosis of this kind is exceptionally rare and we understand how devastating this has been for Sarah and her family.

Sarah is a proud mum to two little boys (Credit: SWNS)
Sarah is a proud mum to two little boys (Credit: SWNS)

"In addition to an unreserved apology to Sarah, the findings of the investigation have been shared with her and the case is now part of an on-going legal claim with which the Trust is co-operating fully.

"Ultimately the misreporting of the biopsy was a human error so as an extra safeguard all invasive cancer diagnoses are now reviewed by a second pathologist.

"Sarah continues to be in regular contact with the clinical team who treated her and they are always available to discuss any on-going concerns she may have."

Sarah suffered 'psychological trauma' from her ordeal, lawyers said (Credit: SWNS)
Sarah suffered 'psychological trauma' from her ordeal, lawyers said (Credit: SWNS)

For more information, visit breastcancernow.org

Unity Blott
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