By Ed Chatterton
A TV and film worker developed cervical cancer which could have been prevented EIGHT years previously after doctors wrongly told her an abnormal smear test was clear.
Aimi Hopkins, 54, is battling invasive cancer after being diagnosed with a tumor the size of a lime, which went undetected despite her undergoing a cervical screening.
The TV wardrobe supervisor has worked on HBOs House of Dragon as well at Netflix’s The Witcher and teen drama Hafiach but had to give up working on the Sam Mendes Beatles movie/biopic following her diagnosis.
Hospital bosses have since admitted failings in her care and Aimi is now in line for a payout after taking legal action against the NHS.
Aimi had previously been for a smear test, which she was told was negative, when in fact the scans showed borderline cells changes.
The blunder, back in 2015, meant she was not referred to specialists for tests and likely treatment to remove pre-cancerous cells.
Aimi went on the develop symptoms including bleeding, stomach pain and fatigue and was referred after a further three smear tests.
She then tested positive for human papillomavirus (HPV) – the virus which can lead to cancer – and was referred to ggynecological specialists.
Tests showed she had a tumor measuring 5.2cm x 5.9cm x 3cm – which was diagnosed as stage three cervical cancer in September 2023.
Aimi, who has worked on various film and TV dramas over the last 34 years, underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy followed by brachytherapy, which places radiation directly next to the tumor
But despite treatment, Aimi was left devastated to learn just days before Christmas that the cancer has since returned and spread to her bones.
Aimi, of Caernarfon, Wales, said: “It’s almost impossible to find the words to describe what the last few years have been like.
“I’ve always been keen to ensure I attended regular smear tests.
“These had previously always been normal so I had no reason to dispute the findings of my 2015 test.
“When I started experiencing symptoms, deep down I knew it was serious, but nothing still prepared me for the news that it I had invasive cancer and the tumor was about the size of a lime.
“The treatment, particularly while trying to come to terms with my diagnosis was difficult, not just physically but emotionally.
“To then be told that my cancer had returned and has spread was absolutely devastating.
“While I’m determined to try and beat cancer again it’s difficult to accept the position I find myself in.
“While my friends and family have been amazing, I feel like my quality of life has deteriorated over the last few years.
“If I’d have been told in 2015 that my smear result was borderline and I should have pre-cancerous cells removed, I absolutely would have gone ahead with the procedure.
“I just hope that by speaking out I can raise awareness of the issues I’ve faced to improve care for others.
“It’s also important women feel they don’t have to go through cervical cancer alone as help and support is available.”
Public Health Wales NHS Trust, which analyzed her smear test, admitted a breach of duty by incorrectly recording Aimi’s smear as normal.
It admitted that the failing meant Aimi was not referred for further tests and treatment which, on the balance of probabilities, would have prevented the progression of invasive cervical cancer.
Shahin Master, the medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Aimi, said: “The last few years and coming to terms with her diagnosis and its impact has been incredibly distressing for Aimi.
“Understandably she has had many questions about whether more could have been done to prevent her cancer developing, particularly as Aimi regularly attended routine appointments for smear tests.
“Despite treatment, Aimi’s cancer has sadly returned leaving her facing further treatment and uncertainty.
“While nothing can make up for what she’s been through and continues to face, we’re pleased to have at least provided Aimi with the answers she deserves.
“Our focus is now on working towards a settlement ensuring Aimi can access the follow up treatment and support she requires.”
A Public Health Wales spokesperson said: “Public Health Wales takes cervical screening very seriously. We continually review our cervical screening programme to ensure it is safe and effective.
“We are a learning organisation committed to openness, transparency, and we use learning from reviews to continually improve the care we provide.
“Our heartfelt sympathies are with the patient and her loved ones at this extremely difficult time.
“We are unable to comment further while legal proceedings are ongoing.”
