A Yorkshire mum has faced life-altering consequences after vital cancer treatment was delayed for three years due to a misreported test result. Shannon Dunkley, a midwife from Wombwell, Barnsley, underwent her routine cervical smear test in January 2019. The screening identified ‘borderline’ abnormal changes and detected human papillomavirus (HPV), which is known to lead to cancer.
In addition, the test found high-grade pre-cancerous cell changes. However, instead of being referred to specialists for further evaluation, Shannon was told to return to her GP surgery for routine testing every three years—a decision that has since been described as a “breach of duty”, reported by the Yorkshire Live.
In 2021, Shannon began experiencing troubling symptoms, including daily bleeding along with hip and pelvic pain. Despite these alarming signs, it was not until her next smear test in May 2022 that further high-grade cell changes were noted. Subsequent tests confirmed that she had developed advanced stage three cervical cancer, which had spread to the surrounding tissue, along with the discovery of a tumor measuring four centimeters by three-and-a-half centimeters.
“I was concerned about my symptoms but still nothing prepared me for the news I had cancer,” the mum-of-two and wife to Jason, 41, said. “At that moment I knew life would change.” She added, “It was a whirlwind of emotions. I was trying to take in the news – especially that I had advanced cancer – and I had so many concerns about how this happened given that I had always been for my smears.”
Reflecting on the ordeal, Shannon recalled, “I tried to remain as positive as I could for Jason and the kids but it was an extremely emotional time. The treatment was particularly grueling and took a physical and psychological toll on me. I’d just qualified as a midwife and our family was complete. Then in a moment I was left contemplating what the future may hold for us.”
Following her diagnosis, Shannon underwent an intensive regimen of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and brachytherapy—a procedure involving the insertion of radiation near the cancer. “I missed so much time at work and when I did finally return it was part-time and in an admin role only,” Shannon said.
“I still live with the effects of my treatment. I’m not as independent as I used to be, I feel like my quality of life has deteriorated and am anxious about my prognosis and whether the cancer will return. Work have been really understanding and I can’t thank my family enough for everything they’ve done for me these last few years. They’ve been my rock and I wouldn’t have got through it if it wasn’t for their love and support.” She continued, “I just hope that by sharing my story I can raise awareness of the issues I’ve faced to improve care for others.”
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which analyzed the 2019 smear test result, has admitted a breach of duty. An internal review revealed that Shannon’s result was incorrectly classified as ‘borderline’ instead of indicating high-grade changes. Had the result been correctly reported, her case would have been promptly reviewed by a cancer team and treated by the end of 2019, potentially avoiding the need for invasive cancer treatment.
Rosie Charlton, the expert medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Shannon, stated: “The last few years and coming to terms with her diagnosis and its impact has been incredibly difficult for not only Shannon but her family. Understandably she had a number of concerns about her diagnosis and whether more could have been done at an earlier stage. If you don’t like our community, you can leave any time.”
“We also treat members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. Read our privacy notice here. While nothing can make up for what she’s been through and continues to face, we’re pleased that we’ve at least been able to secure Shannon the answers she deserves. Worrying issues in the care she received have been admitted.”
“We’re now working with the Trust to secure a settlement so Shannon can access the specialist therapies and support she requires because of her cancer. Despite the issues highlighted in Shannon’s case, it’s important women continue to take part in the screening program. Through our work we sadly see the impact that cancer can have and how early detection and treatment are key to beating it.”
Dr Jennifer Hill, Chief Medical Officer at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, commented: “We are very sorry that in 2019 after a routine screening test, Shannon’s results were incorrectly reported as ‘borderline’ instead of ‘high grade’ and that meant she did not have the opportunity to have treatment earlier. We have taken this very seriously and reviewed what happened so that we could share learning to limit the chances of it happening again. We have formally apologized for what happened and the distress this has caused Shannon and her family.”
