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Jessica Mason, a 44-year-old mother from Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, has shared her distressing experience of being diagnosed with cervical cancer after enduring years of symptoms that were repeatedly dismissed by medical professionals. Despite persistent vaginal swelling, bleeding, and pain since 2019, Jessica found herself repeatedly “fobbed off” during visits to her GP and hospital, struggling to obtain a definitive diagnosis. It was only after she emotionally pleaded with doctors for further investigation that she was finally referred for an MRI, which uncovered cancer needing urgent treatment. Jessica remarked, “I knew there was something wrong,” and expressed that her referral came only after she “broke down in tears” during a consultation.
Initially, Jessica underwent ultrasounds and received various diagnoses—including cysts, endometriosis, and prolapse—none of which explained her ongoing symptoms. Furthermore, a smear test conducted six months prior to her eventual diagnosis returned clear. The confusion and lack of clear answers left her questioning the care she was receiving, as she said, “It was so confusing because you trust in the doctors and you think if it was something serious they would have known.” The turning point came in May 2022 at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff when Jessica implored doctors to conduct further tests. An MRI followed, and by June 2022, she was advised that she had stage 1 B3 cervical cancer and required immediate treatment involving chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
The cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment had a profound impact on Jessica’s life and her family, particularly her 13-year-old son. The therapy resulted in significant physical side effects, including an early menopause that ended her plans to have more children. Jessica described how the illness limited her ability to perform everyday tasks, stating, “I couldn’t cook and couldn’t clean, I couldn’t even iron my son’s uniform or take him to school.” After additional scans revealed the tumor persisted, she faced the prospect of a hysterectomy in July 2023. Jessica voiced her dissatisfaction with the care process, saying, “I lost my faith in the doctors… You’ve got to put your faith in them but I’m always questioning them.” She further criticized the delay in her referral for an MRI, suggesting the costs of repeated appointments may have matched those of an earlier scan.
A recent Senedd health committee report highlighted systemic issues in the treatment of gynecological cancers throughout Wales. The committee characterized the situation as one of “critical failures,” noting that despite prior recommendations in 2023, the Welsh government has yet to allocate dedicated funds or set measurable NHS targets to improve cancer care outcomes. The report also revealed that waiting times in Wales lag behind targets, with just 41% of patients beginning treatment within the recommended 62 days as of October 2025. Commenting on the report, the cancer charity Tenovus described the lack of progress as “deeply concerning.” In response, the Welsh government stated its commitment to working with the NHS to enhance timely diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing new investments in equipment and treatments, coupled with ongoing work through the Women’s Health Plan to drive improvements in women’s healthcare
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