A woman who died of skin cancer aged 48 was told the signs were "nothing to be concerned about", her heartbroken husband has said.
Charlotte Kerns, of Worsley, Salford, developed malignant melanoma that spread to her brain, spine, lungs and leg.
In the four years before her devastating diagnosis, she had visited GPs on numerous occasions after first discovering a mole-like growth on the top of her left hand.
It was removed twice but grew back and started to catch on her sleeve.
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At one point the growth was two square centimetres - yet no biopsies were taken.
However, it was only after it was removed for a third time in 2017 that a biopsy was carried out - confirming it was cancerous.
Charlotte’s husband Richard, 55, said.: "Despite the lesion coming back several times, she never believed she was given the impression there was anything to be concerned about.
“It was only after a few years that a biopsy was performed."
Charlotte, who worked as a head of studies at a language college, underwent surgery to remove more tissue around the tumour alongside a skin graft to repair the damage.
Around 18 months later, in January 2019, she suffered a seizure while driving home from work.
She was then diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumour that was confirmed to be as a result of the malignant melanoma that had since spread to other parts of her body.
She underwent invasive brain surgery and radiotherapy but the brain tumour was incurable.
Charlotte endured deteriorating health until her death last year.
Richard said: “We couldn’t believe it was cancerous.
"However, nothing then prepared us for the diagnosis after Charlotte had suffered a seizure.
"To be given the devastating news that cancer had spread to her brain was horrific, heartbreaking and life-changing.
“Trying to come to terms with Charlotte’s diagnosis was, and remains, particularly difficult to accept.
“Despite this, she fought the cancer time and again and with such courage and bravery.
“She underwent brain surgery, radiotherapy and other treatments including immunotherapy.
“It was really hard to see Charlotte suffering, but she was determined right until the end to try and do everything to beat cancer.”
Before her death, Charlotte instructed specialist medical negligence lawyers to investigate whether her cancer could have been diagnosed sooner.
It’s a quest that Richard is now taking on himself in a bid to find answers.
“Charlotte was such a kind, generous and loving person and her death has left a huge void in so many people’s lives,” he added.
“Life will never be the same without her by my side. We had so many hopes and dreams for the future that we now won’t get to fulfil.
“I’d do anything to have Charlotte back in my life. However, I know that’s not possible but feel I deserve answers regarding what happened.
“I also hope that by speaking out, people and families affected by cancer feel they don’t have to suffer alone as help and support is out there.”
Richard, the managing director of a public relations firm, has spoken about Charlotte’s story to coincide with World Cancer Day on February 4.
Organised by the Union for International Cancer Control, it aims to raise awareness of the signs of cancer, reduce deaths and increase access to life-saving treatment.
Following Charlotte’s death last November, her friends and family have raised nearly £5,000 for St. Ann’s Hospice in Cheadle and Macmillan Cancer Support - two charities that helped care for Charlotte in the final months of her life.
Investigations into Charlotte’s death are still continuing, with specialist lawyers now representing Richard.
Ruth Thomas, a specialist medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Richard and the rest of Charlotte’s family remain devastated by her death.
“Understandably, Richard has a number of concerns about Charlotte’s diagnosis, and we’re investigating those concerns to provide him with the answers he deserves.
“Sadly, through our work we often see the impact cancer can have and how early detection and treatment are key to beating it.
“World Cancer Day is an important reminder of the need for everyone to be aware of the signs and symptoms of cancer.
“While nothing can make up for his loss Richard hopes that by sharing his story he can help others.”
A tribute page dedicated to Charlotte, with the option of making a donation to St. Ann’s and/or MacMillan, can be found here.
For more information on cancer and support, visit the MacMillan website.
