Tragic Negligence: GPs Failed to Detect Jessica’s Cancer 20 Times, Leaving Her without Hope

On the evening of November 1, 2020, Andrea Brady found herself overwhelmed with panic as she sat on the sofa. She had been consumed by fear for weeks, and now she was hit with a terrible realization. When her husband, Simon, entered the room and saw the distress on her face, he asked her what was wrong. Andrea responded, “I think Jessie has cancer.”

For the past five months, the Bradys’ daughter, Jessica, had been progressively getting sicker. Each passing week revealed new and alarming symptoms in their once vibrant and healthy 26-year-old daughter. From stomach pains to a persistent cough that led to vomiting, Jessica’s symptoms were discomforting on their own, but together they painted a worrisome picture. By November, she could hardly keep food down and was rapidly losing weight. She was constantly breathless and exhausted, with no relief in sight.

On that Sunday, as Jessica sat at the dining table, she asked her boyfriend if he could see her swollen glands. Despite his denial, Andrea, from her vantage point, could see the alarming swelling. It was at that moment that she knew something was seriously wrong.

However, when Jessica sought help from their local GP surgery in Hertfordshire, her symptoms were repeatedly dismissed. A rotating roster of doctors diagnosed her with various conditions, from a urinary infection to long Covid. Jessica made multiple calls to the surgery, speaking to dismissive receptionists and eventually getting a phone call with a GP who would prescribe medication and send her away. Throughout this entire process, the word “cancer” was never mentioned.

It wasn’t until Jessica sought a private consultation as a last-ditch effort that she received the devastating diagnosis her parents had feared. By then, it was too late. The cancer had spread to her liver, lungs, lymph nodes, and spine. She was informed that her condition was terminal, and she was admitted to the hospital immediately. Three weeks later, on December 20, 2020, Jessica passed away.

During those agonizing months, Jessica fought tirelessly for answers. Yet, her case slipped through the cracks, a victim not only of the challenges presented by Covid but also of a primary care system in crisis. Only three of Jessica’s GP appointments were conducted in person, as face-to-face consultations plummeted during the pandemic. Even now, nearly 30 percent of appointments in England are still conducted remotely.

The Bradys believe that the doctors failed to connect the dots of Jessica’s symptoms. Because she didn’t fit into an at-risk category, her case wasn’t thoroughly investigated. They feel that if Jessica had been of a different age or socioeconomic background, her situation would have raised red flags. Important moments and test results that could have signaled a more serious condition were missed. One blood test showed elevated D-dimer levels, which could have indicated cancer, but it was never followed up on.

In response to their daughter’s tragic late diagnosis, the Bradys are campaigning for Jess’s Law, which would require a case to be reviewed after a patient contacts their GP surgery for the third time. Despite their grief, they have dedicated themselves to raising awareness about early cancer detection. They have started a petition to improve the detection of cancer in young adults and have met with health secretary Steve Barclay, who apologized for the failures in Jessica’s care. The Department of Health and Social Care has stated that discussions are ongoing between the family and the department.

In September 2021, Andrea spoke at a Health and Social Care Select Committee meeting about cancer services, emphasizing the need for GPs to be able to urgently refer patients. She also stressed the importance of having a named doctor who will oversee a patient’s care. The Royal College of GPs has committed to working with the Bradys to develop educational resources for GPs regarding cancer diagnoses.

Next month will mark three years since Jessica’s passing. Before falling ill, Jessica worked as a satellite engineer at Airbus and had dreams and aspirations for her future. Andrea and Simon Brady reflect on the missed opportunities that could have saved their daughter’s life. They believe that Jess’s Law could make a difference for other families who have experienced late diagnoses. They have been contacted by numerous families who feel their loved ones were let down by the healthcare system.

Losing a child is an indescribable pain, and the Bradys admit that they will never experience complete joy or happiness again. They continue to work at the same primary school, finding solace in their daily routines. They stress that they do not hold a grudge against the NHS or GPs, recognizing their professionalism and hard work. They simply want the healthcare system to be supported and improved.

As the Bradys continue to advocate for early cancer diagnosis and push for Jess’s Law, they hope that their efforts will prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. They believe that Jessica deserved so much more and that no other family should have to endure the pain they have experienced.