A mother waited 18 months for surgery, only to be diagnosed with breast cancer after finally receiving treatment. Her story raises serious concerns.
Dudley: A 31-year-old mum named Sharni Marks has been through a lot. She was diagnosed with breast cancer after waiting 18 months for surgery. Back in 2018, she found out she had the BRCA2 gene, which increases breast cancer risk. Doctors told her a double mastectomy would help her avoid the disease.
She got on the waiting list in August 2022, thinking she was at the top. But it wasn’t until March 2024 that she finally had the surgery. Sadly, a check after the operation showed cancer in the tissue they removed. The hospital has apologized for the long wait.
While going through chemotherapy, Sharni shared her thoughts. She felt reassured being under the care of breast surgeons. But as months passed, she kept calling for updates, feeling frustrated. When she finally had the surgery, she was relieved. But that relief turned to heartbreak when she learned she had cancer.
Sharni is dealing with tough side effects from her treatment, like sickness and hair loss. It’s also made it hard for her to have more kids naturally. She described these months as the hardest of her life but is thankful for the care she received.
She raised concerns about waiting lists, worrying that many others might be in the same boat. A letter from the hospital to her GP said they discussed her case and believed the long wait harmed her health. They suggested her cancer likely developed during that time.
The hospital trust has apologized and is looking into what happened to prevent it from happening again. Sharni is now working with lawyers to investigate her care and get the treatment she needs. A lawyer expressed concern for Sharni and her family, highlighting the emotional toll this has taken.
They acknowledged the NHS is under pressure, but delays can have serious consequences. Each patient waiting for treatment is a real person facing potential harm. The lawyer is committed to helping Sharni find answers and get the care she deserves.
The hospital trust has been asked for a comment on the situation.
