A woman who was dismissed by doctors 20 times was heartbreakingly given just three weeks to live following a devastating diagnosis.
Jessica Brady, 27, first began experiencing health problems in the summer of 2020, during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
With in-person consultations replaced by virtual appointments, Jessica struggled to get the medical attention she needed.
Her mother, Andrea Brady, recounted the ordeal, telling The Mirror: “She had been ill for six months, but the spring/summer lockdown meant face-to-face consultations with her GP were restricted, and numerous antibiotics were prescribed, even in the absence of a physical examination.
“Jessica was told for months she was suffering from Long Covid despite two negative coronavirus tests.”
Jessica’s family revealed to The Telegraph that she underwent a pattern of calling her GP’s office, speaking to a receptionist, and later receiving a prescription following a brief phone consultation. Over the course of her illness, Jessica had 20 GP appointments and two visits to A&E.
It was only after seeking private medical advice that Jessica was diagnosed with stage four adenocarcinoma in November 2020.
By then, the cancer had spread extensively, affecting her spine, liver, stomach, lungs, and lymph nodes.
Tragically, Jessica passed away in December 2020, just weeks after her diagnosis.
Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer originating in the glandular cells of organs such as the lungs or colon. Tumors can form when these cells grow uncontrollably, requiring swift diagnosis and treatment.
Reflecting on the delays, Andrea said: “In trying to make sense of what happened to Jess, I began to realize that Jess’s age was a major stumbling block to achieving a necessary swift and accurate diagnosis.
“This is why, in early 2021, I launched a campaign on Change.org, calling for ‘Jess’s Law.’”
To honor Jessica’s memory, her family launched the Jessie Brady CEDAR Trust, a campaign advocating for improved cancer diagnosis protocols, especially for young people.
The Trust also seeks legislative changes, including a proposed requirement for a patient’s case to be escalated after three GP visits for the same symptoms without resolution.
“It is so important to us that Jessica is remembered and she continues to make a difference,” reads the Trust’s official site. “Our unexpected journey with Jess has highlighted the need for more support, funding, and research.”
Jessica’s case has drawn attention to the rising incidence of cancer among young people aged 20 to 34, with Cancer Research UK reporting the highest rates of early-onset cancer in three decades.
Most cases are linked to the digestive system, and Andrea believes the healthcare system often neglects younger patients.
“Currently, this age group is not prioritized although many cancers are aggressive and require immediate treatment. Despite being too young to be ignored, they often are. They are the forgotten generations,” Andrea said.
Andrea’s advocacy efforts have prompted NHS England and The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) to pledge their support for the principles of Jess’s Law. Discussions between Jessica’s family and the Department of Health and Social Care are ongoing.
A department spokesperson acknowledged the failings in Jessica’s case, stating: “It is clear opportunities to diagnose Jessica sooner were missed, and the Secretary of State has met her parents on two occasions to discuss how to prevent similar tragedies happening in future.”
