Teen's Cancer Death Blamed on Delayed Diagnosis

A 19-year-old girl tragically passed away last year after a rare soft-tissue sarcoma was repeatedly misdiagnosed, according to her grieving mother. Liberty first felt unwell in May 2024 with nausea and fatigue, followed by unexplained breast swelling. Over five separate GP visits, her symptoms were misidentified as Addison's disease, mastitis, and an abscess.

It took three months of relentless visits before a biopsy revealed the malignant tumour. Following surgery in September 2024 to remove the mass, surrounding tissue, and lymph nodes, the cancer continued to spread aggressively. Severe bed shortages further delayed her vital treatment, causing her immense pain at home.

By May 2025, after discovering a new lump, Liberty made the brave decision to stop treatment and spend her final days at home. She tragically passed away peacefully at home on June 1, 2026, just two days after her 19th birthday. Her mother, Hannah, is now speaking out to ensure no other family suffers the same fate.

In light of Liberty's death, medical experts have launched new guidance through the Children and Young People's Cancer Association's Child Cancer Smart campaign. This initiative aims to help doctors spot soft-tissue sarcomas sooner, as delays in diagnosis have been shown to significantly impact survival rates in children across the UK.