Cheryl Humpage 55-year-old British woman dies of cervical cancer after doctor mistakes it for menopause Date of Birth: 01.01.1958 Country: Great Britain

1. Cheryl Hampage's Diagnosis and Treatment
2. A History of Missed Opportunities
3. A Grieving Family Seeks Justice
4. Apology and Accountability
5. Legal Representation and Assessment

Cheryl Hampage's Diagnosis and Treatment

Cheryl Hampage, a 55-year-old British woman, died of cervical cancer after her doctor misdiagnosed her with menopause. Despite experiencing nausea, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and fevers—symptoms commonly associated with cervical cancer—it took over a year for Hampage to be referred to a specialist. By the time her cancer was detected, it was too late. Hampage's family pursued a lawsuit against the doctor's insurance company, settling for a five-figure sum.

A History of Missed Opportunities

In February 2008, Hampage, a grandmother of three and a former factory worker, sought medical attention for bleeding and unexplained fevers. Her physician, Dr. Martin Crowther of Walsall, West Midlands, dismissed her concerns, attributing her condition to menopause. Crowther prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which Hampage took as instructed. Yet, her health problems persisted. Hampage returned to Dr. Crowther three times before being diagnosed with cancer in March 2009 at Walsall Manor Hospital, but by then, it was too late. She passed away four months later.

A Grieving Family Seeks Justice

Her devastated husband, 56-year-old Peter Hampage, took legal action against Dr. Crowther for medical negligence, receiving a five-figure compensation payment. "Cheryl was very worried about her symptoms, but she thought she was in safe hands," said Mr. Hampage. "She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and family person. We are all absolutely devastated that she's gone." Peter admitted to struggling with anger, stating that his wife's suffering could have been minimized with earlier detection. He believes their family would have had more time together had it not been for the medical error.

Apology and Accountability

Prior to Crowther's admission of fault, Peter said, "We just hope that what happened to Cheryl is a reminder to all of us of the importance of getting a quick diagnosis of cancer of the cervix... But coming to terms with losing her is still difficult because we haven't had the apology and the admission of responsibility that would allow us to move on." Dr. Crowther eventually apologized for misdiagnosing Hampage. "I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere condolences to Mrs. Hampage's family for their loss," he said. "I apologize for the delay in diagnosis. Having reviewed and discussed this case in detail with colleagues, I remain alert to the ever-present risk in such situations."

Legal Representation and Assessment

Lindsay Tomlinson, a lawyer at Irwin Mitchell Solicitors who represented the Hampage family, stated, "This is a tragic case which has left a family devastated by the loss of a wife, mother, and grandmother." Tomlinson added that during the investigation, independent medical experts concluded that Hampage's symptoms should have been recognized by Dr. Crowther as suggestive of cervical cancer. She emphasized that an earlier diagnosis could have significantly reduced Hampage's suffering and spared her family the anguish of witnessing her deteriorate.