Mum-of-three, 48, dies of cervical cancer 2 years after doctors wrongly said her smear test was ‘normal’
A MUM-of-three died of cervical cancer two years after doctors wrongly said her screening test was normal.
Kerry Pugh started experiencing tell-tale symptoms including bleeding during sex in 2017.
She had previously been flagged as having a high risk of developing cancer-causing virus HPV.
The now-48-year-old had checks at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and no definitive cause for the bleeding was determined.
In 2018, Kerry started to have irregular bleeding and attended a routine cervical cancer screening appointment in June that year.
She was told the results were normal, when in fact tests had revealed severe cell changes.
Months later, Kerry’s symptoms got worse and she suffered irregular bleeding and pain in her coccyx.
She underwent tests which revealed she had stage four cancer.
An MRI scan showed she had a large invasive tumour bigger than a tennis ball.
The size of the growth, which measured 3in (8cm) x 2in (5cm) x 2in (5cm), meant surgery was not an option.
Kerry, from Shrewsbury, Shropshire, had a stoma fitted and underwent a gruelling course of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Tragically, the treatment was too late and she died from cervical cancer aged 48 in June 2022.
Following her death, Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust, which analysed the 2018 test, carried out an audit of the screening results.
It found that despite originally being reported as normal, the sample actually showed severe cell changes.
Kerry’s devastated husband, Stephen Pugh, instructed specialist medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate whether more could have been done to diagnose her cancer sooner.
Stephen, 45, is considering taking legal action against the Trust and has urged women to be aware of the signs of the disease.
The network support engineer said: “I can’t begin to describe the distress and exhaustion that Kerry went through.
“She was a beautiful and caring person and a great mum.
“To see her health deteriorate as the cancer took hold of her was heartbreaking.
“Although she was suffering extreme pain because of her illness, Kerry always tried to stay positive right to the end, especially for the children.
“She was more concerned about their wellbeing than her own.
“Kerry was absolutely everything to me and we all miss her every day.”
To see my wife’s health deteriorate as the cancer took hold of her was heartbreaking.
Stephen Pugh
Kerry, who worked as a retail assistant, is survived by her children Morgan, 24, Lily, 14, and 11-year-old Freddie.
Stephen added: “Our family had the rest of our lives to spend together but it’s difficult not to think this has been snatched away from us.
“That Kerry will never get to see her children grow up and be there to celebrate life’s milestones is the hardest thing to accept.
“There are so many unanswered questions about Kerry’s diagnosis and treatment; in particular, could Kerry’s cancer have been picked up sooner?
“Not knowing just adds to the hurt and pain we endure daily.
“Kerry wanted these answers so that the kids would know how hard she fought to still be here.
“I’d do anything to have Kerry back but I know that’s not possible. I just hope that by speaking out I can help others.
“Even if I can help one person then at least some good may have come from this terrible situation.”
Kerry attended screening appointments and had previously undergone procedures to remove cells in her cervix.
It had been determined that Kerry had high risk HPV – a virus which can be linked to cancer.
Kerry’s smear test in June 2018 was reported as negative.
That November, she visited a GP concerned about bleeding and was referred for a biopsy which was reported as being clear.
The symptoms of cervical cancer
CERVICAL cancer is most commonly diagnosed in women in their early 30s, with around 3,200 new cases and 850 deaths each year in the UK.
According to CRUK, the five-year survival rate is around 70 per cent – and the earlier it is caught, the better.
Cervical screening programmes and HPV vaccines have reduced rates and save 4,000 lives each year.
It is vital you attend your smear test and get jabbed when invited, and that you know the symptoms of cervical cancer to look out for.
These aren’t always obvious, and they may not become noticeable until the cancer has reached an advanced stage.
But you might notice:
- Unusual bleeding (often after sex, between periods, or after the menopause)
- Pain and discomfort during sex
- Vaginal discharge (often unpleasant smelling)
- Pain in your lower back, between your hip bones or in your lower tummy
Women are invited to have regular cervical screenings between the ages of 25 and 64. How often depends on your age.
The HPV vaccine, which helps protect against the virus, is recommended for children aged 12 to 13 and people at higher risk from HPV.
Source: NHS and Cancer Research UK
Lawyer Eleanor Giblin, who is representing Stephen, said: “The last 19 months have been incredibly difficult for Stephen and the rest of Kerry’s family as they’ve attempted to try and come to terms with her death and the circumstances surrounding it.
“Understandably, Stephen has a number of concerns regarding whether more could have been to diagnose Kerry’s cancer sooner, especially in light of the audit which highlighted severe cell changes rather than Kerry’s result being negative as initially recorded.
“We’re investigating this further with the assistance of independent medical experts.
“Through our work we sadly see the devastating impact cancer have.
“While nothing can make up for what’s happened, we’re determined to at least provide Stephen and Kerry’s children with the answers they deserve.
“In the meantime, Stephen hopes that by sharing his family’s story they can help others be aware of the symptoms of cervical cancer.
“Despite concerns about Kerry’s test results, it’s vital that people continue to attend screening appointments as early detection and treatment is key to beating cancer.”
The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust has offered its condolences to Stephen and his family.
Medical Director Dr John Jones said: “We continue to support Mr Pugh with any questions regarding the care of his wife.”