Mother-of-two diagnosed with cervical cancer at just 35 after three-year health battle

Shannon Dunkley, 35, underwent a smear test in 2019 which revealed she had human papillomavirus (HPV) and borderline abnormal cells. After having tests including biopsies at Barnsley Hospital she was referred back to her GP for routine screening every three years.

However, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines say women who have HPV and a negative smear test should have a repeat HPV test after 12 months. Shannon had to be referred back to the hospital again in early 2021, when she started having hip and pelvic pain and started bleeding heavily almost every day. She was then diagnosed with cervical ectropion, a condition where the delicate cells that line the cervical canal spread onto the surface of the cervix.

Shannon, who is mum to Nathaniel, 11, and Niamha, eight, then underwent another smear test in May 2022 which found she had HPV and abnormal cells. She then received two letters from the hospital saying her follow up gynaecology appointment and smear test results would be discussed at the same time. During this appointment in June last year, Shannon underwent large loop excision surgery to remove part of her cervix.

However after following tests and over three years of fighting to find out what was wrong with her, Shannon was diagnosed with stage one cervical cancer. But further tests showed that the cancer had in fact spread to surrounding tissue and lymph nodes, and she was sadly diagnosed with advanced stage three cancer.

Shannon, who is married to husband Jason, 39, underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy and brachytherapy and is now cancer free. However, speaking about her cancer diagnosis for the first time, she said it's impossible 'to find the words to describe what the last few months have been like.'

Shannon, of Barnsley, said: "It's almost impossible to find the words to describe what the last few months have been like. For a number of months my symptoms were getting worse and really started affecting me both physically and mentally. Each time I had an appointment I explained my symptoms and my previous smear results but I felt that my concerns weren't fully listened to.

"It only felt that action started to be taken after my follow up smear test last year. Even though I knew something wasn't quite right, nothing prepared me for the news I had cervical cancer. The treatment, particularly while trying to come to terms with my diagnosis and how the cancer was more advanced than initially thought was difficult, not just physically but emotionally.

"After my diagnosis I started researching and was shocked to discover NICE guidelines around positive HPV results and that those with the virus should have a repeat test at 12 months. I've tried to remain as positive as I can, not only for myself and my recovery but for Jason and the children."

Shannon has instructed expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate her care as she says she feels the 'least I deserve is answers.'

She said: "However, I still have so many questions and concerns about my diagnosis, being referred for smear tests every three years despite having HPV and early borderline cells being detected. As well as it taking a year after being contacted by gynaecology to receive my diagnosis. While I know I can't turn back the clock I feel that the least I deserve is answers. I just hope that by speaking out I can help raise awareness of the symptoms of cervical cancer to help others."

Rosie Charlton, a specialist medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell said: "The last few months and coming to terms with her diagnosis and its impact has been incredibly difficult for Shannon and the rest of her family.

"Understandably she has a number of concerns about her diagnosis, particularly around being referred for testing every three years after she was positive for HPV as well delays once she had developed symptoms. While HPV is a common virus that usually goes away without causing any problems, it can be linked to cancer and so it's crucial that thorough investigations take place and that patients are followed up correctly.

"We're now investigating Shannon's concerns to provide her with the answers she deserves. Through our work we sadly see the impact that cervical cancer can have. Shannon hopes that by sharing her story she can help others be aware of the symptoms. We join her in supporting this incredibly important campaign as early detection and treatment are key to beating cancer."

A Barnsley Hospital spokesperson said: “We are currently investigating the circumstances regarding the care Shannon received at Barnsley Hospital.”