Jenny’s Preventable Breast Cancer Diagnosis – A Tale of Medical Negligence

With a strong family history of breast and ovarian cancer, Jenny was advised in the 1980s to undergo regular breast screening from the age of 30. Despite this precaution, Jenny's path took an unforeseen turn.

Initially, Jenny was not deemed eligible for genetic testing due to the absence of living relatives affected by cancer at the time. Over a decade later, a consultation with a geneticist led to the recommendation that her father undergo testing for gene mutation. Shockingly, it was later revealed that her father had indeed tested positive, a critical piece of information that had been overlooked because of human error.

Tragically, this oversight had profound consequences. Despite undergoing annual mammograms and regular screenings, Jenny was diagnosed with grade 3 breast cancer following the discovery of a small tumour. The revelation of her father's status came too late to prevent the onset of cancer, leaving Jenny to endure chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and ultimately a double mastectomy.

Reflecting on her journey, Jenny firmly believes that had she known about the presence of the gene mutation earlier, she would have opted for a double mastectomy and radical hysterectomy, potentially avoiding the harrowing experience of cancer treatment altogether.

In 2020, seeking accountability for the oversight that altered the course of her life, Jenny turned to Wolferstans Solicitors for legal expertise.

Led by Senior Partner Elizabeth Smith, the Medical Negligence team worked with Jenny to secure compensation. After meticulous investigation and expert evidence, the hospital ultimately admitted liability for failing to identify the genetic mutation and informing Jenny accordingly.

Jenny received a settlement of £225,000, providing her with the financial stability needed to face the future with confidence. Jenny's story serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of medical negligence on individuals and families.

If you or a loved one have been affected by similar circumstances, our award-winning experts at Wolferstans Solicitors are here to help. We offer No Win, No Fee ensuring that you can pursue justice without any financial risk.

Get in touch to book a free initial consultation.