Mum told she has stage 4 cancer after medics dismissed symptoms as STI Steph Washington, 38, from Brierley Hill, was left in "constant pain" with 'classic' cervical cancer symptoms - but was never offered a smear test A mum-of-three has been given a terminal cancer diagnosis after a year of delays, with medics initially dismissing her symptoms as an STI. Steph Washington, 38, endured constant pain sporting 'classic' cervical cancer indicators. ‌ Article continues below Yet, she claims, she was never provided a smear test and feels "repeatedly failed" by the NHS and her GP practice. After enduring over a year for her diagnosis, following eight GP visits and numerous emergency hospital admissions, Steph's ordeal is one of frustration and agony. Read more: Ridiculous high speed chase ‌ She alleged that healthcare providers 'did not perform necessary exams and tests to exclude any grave conditions throughout 2022'. Shockingly, she was repeatedly given antibiotics for bacterial vaginosis and presumed Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). The stay-at-home mum, Steph, from Brierley Hill, was heartbroken when an August 2023 biopsy uncovered that she has stage four terminal cancer with possibly only years to endure. ‌ Greens Health Centre in Dudley has since acknowledged medical neglect and conceded that early treatment could have led to a cure had she received the proper care. Amid her distressing diagnosis and a year-long feeling of being ignored, Steph is now advocating for more frequent smear testing. ‌ Receiving 24/7 support from her family, Steph expressed her emotions: "I'm so angry and frustrated." "My life has been completely turned upside down, I can no longer look after my two younger children and I’m still in constant pain. “Having a smear test in April 2022, when my symptoms first started, would have confirmed my diagnosis or at least started the process that led to diagnosis. "Instead, I kept being told I had vaginal infections - all the treatments unsurprisingly failed to work, the pain was getting worse, and I was constantly going back and forth to my GP and, later on, emergency visits to the hospital. “I said to my mum that I had cancer, but the medical professionals were telling me it was all in my head. "Then, nearly a year on from first having the symptoms, I was given the devastating news that I had stage four cervical cancer – a hammer blow in every sense of the word. "I’m keen to back DIY home cervical screening tests on the NHS, which would help increase the number of women being screened and ultimately save lives – it would also take away some of the anxiety and make smear tests a lot easier to access. “If I’d have been offered a smear test in April 2022, my outcome could have been a lot different." Keen to support innovative screening solutions, she highlighted their potential impact: "I'm keen to back DIY home cervical screening tests on the NHS, which would help increase the number of women being screened and ultimately save lives – it would also take away some of the anxiety and make smear tests a lot easier to access." ‌ Reflecting on the critical timing, she lamented: "If I'd have been offered a smear test in April 2022, my outcome could have been a lot different." Beginning in April 2022, Steph endured persistent symptoms such as pelvic and lower back pain, offensive discharge, irregular periods, unusual vaginal bleeding, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. If you spot symptoms like lower back pain, heavier periods, and changes to vaginal discharge – main indicators of cervical cancer according to the NHS website – don't hesitate to seek medical advice. ‌ Despite undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy, Steph's health has deteriorated, leaving her dependent on her parents for daily activities. She is in constant agony, rarely venturing out except for medical visits, and has shed 10 stone. ‌ Her two younger children, aged 20, 15, and 13, have had to move in with their dad. Next week, the brave mum faces a complex exenteration operation that could potentially extend her life expectancy. Rajni Kandola, senior solicitor at Talbots Law who represents Steph, commented: "It has been a privilege to support Steph throughout her journey and I'm in awe of the strength and resilience she has shown whilst dealing with such a life-changing diagnosis. ‌ "Despite the turmoil she has been put through, she joins us in remaining committed to ensuring that lessons are learnt. "We are now working with the NHS to reach a settlement, which will ensure Steph receives the specialist care and support she needs to continue to navigate life with a life-limiting disease. "The NHS' admission of liability and apology is bittersweet for Steph. Article continues below "Whilst the admission is welcome, it's vital that improvements are made to patient safety to prevent other women from going through what she unfortunately has." Greens Health Centre was approached but did not provide a comment.