A mother from Penarth has launched legal action after doctors allegedly dismissed her symptoms of cervical cancer as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) for three years. Jessica Mason, 45, was diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer in June 2022, by which time the tumour had grown to 6.5cm—roughly the size of a tennis ball.
Ms Mason first sought medical help in March 2019 for severe bleeding and discomfort. Despite repeated visits to her GP and hospital appointments, she says she was told she had IBS, a prolapse, or endometriosis, and was advised to do pelvic floor exercises. A smear test in early 2022 was reported as clear, but just six months later an MRI scan—which she insisted upon—revealed the cancer.
The diagnosis led to months of gruelling chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and brachytherapy. She entered early menopause and underwent a radical hysterectomy, ending any chance of having more children with her husband, Dan, 43. Ms Mason has a 17-year-old son, Teejay, and an 18-year-old stepdaughter, Brooke.
Ms Mason said: 'For years I was back and forth to GP appointments or hospital complaining of bleeding and pain. While I knew my body and felt something was wrong, I felt like I had no choice to put my faith in the doctors. However, it felt like nothing was really being done to get to the bottom of my symptoms and I often felt like I was being fobbed off.'
Now cancer-free but living with lasting physical pain, mobility problems, and the emotional impact of early menopause, Ms Mason has instructed lawyers to investigate whether her cancer should have been detected sooner. She added: 'It’s difficult not to think I wouldn’t have had to go through what I have had I been listened to.'
