Welsh woman denied examination due to her age speaks about her advanced breast cancer

'Too young for cancer'

Beth Jenkins, a resident of Merthyr Tydfil, told BBC Walesthat in October 2024, at the age of 40, she went to a doctor complaining of a significantly enlarged lump in her right breast — and was told she was 'too young for breast cancer' and that the lump could be linked to an infection or 'health anxiety' related to postnatal depression. She was prescribed antibiotics. She said she first noticed a 'small, pea-sized' lump back in 2018, but after an ultrasound she was told it was probably glandular tissue, and no biopsy was performed.

Diagnosis and treatment

Two weeks later, Jenkins returned to the practice and spoke with another doctor who, after reviewing her records, advised submitting an e-consultation — in her view, the patient should have been referred for examination straight away. The referral to the breast clinic did eventually happen, and on 14 November 2024 the diagnosis was made: lobular breast cancer with a 5 cm tumour that had by then spread to three lymph nodes. Jenkins underwent a mastectomy, then chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as well as preventive treatment, during which she faced a severe complication — neutropenic sepsis. 'I was told: if I had arrived at the hospital 24 hours later, I would not have survived,' the BBC quotes her as saying. She is now showing no signs of disease, but will remain under observation for 15 years.

The problem with guidelines for younger patients

The case illustrates a systemic problem: under NICE guidelines, people aged 40 and under with an unexplained lump in the breast or armpit should be referred for further investigation regardless of pain, yet standard NHS breast screening only begins at 50. Research by Cancer Research Wales revealed an 'inequity' in how GPs apply these guidelines: some follow them strictly, while others rely on experience or intuition. Dr Lee Campbell of the organisation noted that although such cases are rare, around 100–115 cases of breast cancer are recorded each year in Wales in women under 40, and age 'should not be the deciding factor' in referring for examination. According to him, the organisation is working with researchers and primary care centres in Wales to ensure the guidelines are followed and that GPs shift from being 'gatekeepers' to 'case finders'.

The practice's response and the charity initiative

The Keir Hardie Health Park medical practice said it could not discuss individual cases but urged patients to book a follow-up appointment if in doubt. After Jenkins publicly shared her story, the practice, she said, responded 'quite openly' and in July 2025 published a statement on social media, admitting that 'a serious diagnosis was, unfortunately, initially missed' and that 'had it not been for an urgent referral from another member of staff, the outcome could have been very different'. For the second anniversary of her diagnosis, Jenkins organised a charity event, Breast Fest, on 14 November in aid of Merthyr Cancer Aid: ticket sales alone have raised £6,000.

Image source, Beth Jenkins

Image source, Beth Jenkins

Image source, Beth Jenkins

Image source, Beth Jenkins

Image source, Cancer Research Wales

Image source, Beth Jenkins