Mum with months to live says 'negative' smear test from years before showed signs of cancer

A woman with terminal cervical cancer has claimed that her smear test from years ago, which showed up as negative, actually displayed signs of cancer.

Lisa Stannard has only months to live and blames the doctors' failure to detect the cancer sooner via an alleged false diagnosis.

The NHS has denied liability for her late diagnosis and the 52-year-old has acted by hiring lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate.

Lisa - who is mum to both Holly, 20 and Will,16 - says she was first diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer in 2018.

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The mother claims that the treatment left her with 'no signs' of the disease, but it returned in August 2021.

Despite various treatments of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and brachytherapy, Lisa's condition is sadly incurable.

A later audit of a smear test she completed in 2015 showed that analysts at North Bristol NHS Trust had failed to identify some abnormal cells at the time - which ordinarily would have seen her receive a two-week referral and further investigation.

The Trust apologised to Lisa in 2020 and admitted that, had she been treated at the time, her cancer may have been prevented - but denies liability and says the tests were performed to an 'acceptable' standard.

Tyla has contacted North Bristol NHS Trust for comment.

Lisa, of Banwell, Somerset, said: "Before my diagnosis I lived a happy life and was lucky enough to suffer from no significant health problems.

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"I did a lot of community work and helped arrange events such as jumble sales, a village carnival as well as bake sales and discos for the children.

"I was kept very busy with my community work, and my life revolved around my children. However, that’s all changed now I struggle to do anything without the help of others.

"Cancer has devastated my entire life. The most upsetting thing is seeing the impact it’s had on my children who’ve had to miss out on large parts of their lives to help me. To have to tell them that I may not have long to live was indescribably upsetting for us all.

"I know I face an uncertain future and want to try and spend as much time as I can with my family, but I also feel I deserve answers about my diagnosis.

"I just hope that speaking out I can also raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer to help others."

James Pink, the expert medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Lisa, said: “Through our work we sadly continue to see the terrible impact cancer has on families and how many people are left wanting answers following a diagnosis.

“Understandably Lisa and her loved ones are devastated by her prognosis and what the future may hold especially while having concerns about the events that unfolded in the lead up to her initial diagnosis.

“We continue to support Lisa and are determined to provide her with the answers she deserves. We call on the Trust to work with us to resolve her case, allowing Lisa to focus on spending time with her family."