Young Women's Cancer Legacies Inspire New Medical Rules and Awareness Campaigns
Three remarkable young women who tragically died from cancer are continuing to help thousands of others through the powerful legacies they left behind. Jessica Brady, Danielle Leslie, and Nina Lopes all passed away far too young, but their stories have shaped new medical protocols, launched nationwide awareness campaigns, and provided vital support networks. Their enduring impact comes as new research reveals a concerning 16 per cent increase in cancer rates among women under 50 since the year 2000, with no corresponding rise observed in men.
Jess's Rule: Transforming GP Referral Protocols
Jessica Brady, a 27-year-old engineer, first experienced cancer symptoms in the summer of 2020. Despite contacting her local GP approximately twenty times, her symptoms—including abdominal pain that progressed to vomiting, a persistent cough, and significant weight loss—were repeatedly dismissed. Medical professionals attributed her condition to her young age and even misdiagnosed it as long Covid. By the time her mother, Andrea Brady, arranged a private consultation months later, Jess had already reached stage 4 cancer. She passed away just three weeks after receiving her diagnosis.
Determined to prevent similar tragedies, Andrea launched a petition one month after her daughter's death in December 2020. This initiative became known as Jess's Rule, calling for mandatory escalation of patient cases when symptoms remain unresolved after three GP consultations, regardless of the patient's age. After nearly five years of campaigning, Jess's Rule has now been implemented across GP surgeries in England, with posters featuring Jess's name and image displayed to remind medical professionals of the protocol.
"Having Jess's name attached to the rule is hopefully a reminder to not let it get too late," explains Andrea, a 59-year-old teacher who now chairs the Jess Brady Cedar Trust. "We need doctors to treat every patient that presents with red flag symptoms with the possibility of cancer in mind, pushing away statistical likelihoods that often lead to delayed diagnoses."
Breast Cancer Awareness: A Family Legacy
Danielle Leslie died from breast cancer at age 40, just one year after her mother Sylvie passed away from the same disease at 61. Their dying wish was to prevent other families from experiencing similar devastation. Together, they established Future Dreams, a charity that began with just £100 around a kitchen table but has since grown into a major force in breast cancer awareness and support.
In 2019, Future Dreams partnered with ITV's Lorraine show to create the award-winning Change and Check campaign. This initiative features stickers displaying nine breast cancer symptoms and has helped more than 100 women receive early diagnosis and treatment, including television personality Davina McCall. McCall discovered a small lump in her breast thanks to the campaign in November, leading to early detection that allowed for a lumpectomy rather than a full mastectomy.
"I felt a surge of pain for her when I heard about her story, followed by a sense of pride when I saw that she had found her symptoms as a result of the campaign," says Amy Leslie, Danielle's 21-year-old daughter. "My mum and grandma would have been humbled to know that the charity they formed had been part of this initiative."
Future Dreams has since donated millions to research and opened Future Dreams House, the only dedicated breast cancer support centre in England and Wales, offering comprehensive practical, emotional, and psychological assistance both in person and online.
Advocacy for Overlooked Communities
Nina Lopes passed away from breast cancer at age 42 in November 2024, after living with the disease for six years. During her journey, she documented her experience on Instagram through her account Frodayss, initially created to document hair regrowth after chemotherapy but evolving into a vital support hub for tens of thousands of followers.
Diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer at just 37, Nina became a powerful advocate for young women and those of black heritage who she felt were often overlooked by the medical establishment. After doctors initially dismissed her own symptoms, she dedicated herself to raising awareness about breast checks and became an ambassador for Cancer Awareness Trust, campaigning to lower the UK's breast screening age from 50.
"She fearlessly advocated for young women, and those of black heritage who are so often overlooked and underserved by the medical establishment in terms of diagnosis, medication and care," explains her sister-in-law, Victoria Harper.
Even while battling advanced metastatic disease, Nina launched her podcast What Next with support from Cancer Platform and Spotify, interviewing figures like Kathy Burke about growing up without a mother—a topic close to her heart as a single mother with a teenage daughter.
Enduring Impact Amid Rising Cancer Rates
The legacies of these three women have taken on renewed significance as cancer rates among younger women continue to climb. Their stories highlight critical gaps in early diagnosis protocols, awareness campaigns, and support for underserved communities. Through Jess's Rule, the Change and Check campaign, and Nina's advocacy work, they continue to save lives and shape medical practices across the country.
As Andrea Brady reflects on her daughter's legacy: "We could have been negative in the face of what happened. But more than anything, we hope that Jess's Rule does just remind primary care clinicians to have that rule of three, because we know if you catch a cancer earlier, the chance of survival is much, much, much improved."
These young women's determination to create positive change from personal tragedy continues to inspire new approaches to cancer diagnosis, treatment, and support, ensuring their voices remain powerful forces in the fight against cancer for years to come.
