Porth woman died from cancer after nine-month wait for test results
An inquest has revealed that a 43-year-old mother died from cancer after a nine-month delay in pathology test results. The health board cited overwhelming demand following the Covid-19 pandemic as a contributing factor to the diagnostic failure.
Why it matters
This case highlights the systemic strain on healthcare infrastructure and the life-altering consequences of administrative delays in medical diagnostics.
Image caption, Sarah Catherine Daniels died at home surrounded by loved ones, her inquest was told
A mum-of-three died from cancer following a nine-month delay in receiving pathology test results, meaning she did not receive potentially life-extending treatment fast enough, an inquest has heard.
Sarah Catherine Daniels' husband said she "never gave up" trying to fight her rare and aggressive cancer, but died at home in Porth, Rhondda Cynon Taf, aged 43 in April 2025.
Coroner Rachel Knight said the pathology department where a mass from Sarah's ovary had been sent for testing was at the time "completely overwhelmed by demand" following the Covid-19 pandemic.
She told the inquest at Pontypridd Coroners' Court that the delay was "unacceptable" and reduced the chance of successful chemotherapy.
Sarah first presented to her GP aged 39 in October 2021 with "gynaecological symptoms of concern", the inquest was told on Monday.
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