YOUTUBE star Jessica Pettway has died from cervical cancer after doctors initially misdiagnosed her, her sister has revealed.
Jessica, 36, was diagnosed with stage three cervical cancer last year after medics initially thought she had fibroids, she said.
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Her younger sister Reyni shared the heartbreaking news that the “amazing, strong, confident” beauty and fashion influencer lost her life, according to E! News.
Writing on Instagram, Reyni said: “It’s my birthday today, and the only thing I could ever wish for is for God to bring you back on this earth.
“I lost my beautiful big sister two days ago, and my heart has never felt pain like this.”
Around 3,200 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year in the UK, with around 850 dying.
Most patients are in their 30s and are given surgery to remove the tumour if possible, with around four in 10 also undergoing radiotherapy and a third having chemotherapy.
Symptoms include unusual vaginal bleeding, such as during or after sex, changes to vaginal discharge, pain during sex, and pain in the lower back, pelvis or lower tummy.
Fibroids are non-cancerous growth in the womb that can cause heavy periods, pain in the lower back or tummy, needing to urinate regularly, constipation and pain in sex.
Mum-of-two- Jessica revealed she was diagnosed with cervical cancer in an Instagram post in July last year.
She said: “’I took these photos a few days ago, and it’s currently my favourite photo of myself.
“It brings me so much joy to see how far I’ve come, because a few months ago I received devastating news.
“I was diagnosed with stage three cancer.
“I don’t even know where to begin, but I want to share why I’ve been gone for so long, in hopes that at least one person is encouraged by my story.”
I was misdiagnosed all this time
Jessica Pettway
She said she was initially misdiagnosed with fibroids after she first sought medical attention for “intense vaginal bleeding” in June 2022.
Jessica went to an oncologist on February 8, 2023.
She said: “He performed an outpatient biopsy on me. When I woke up from the anaesthesia, he casually said: ‘Yep you have stage 3 cervical cancer’.
“It turns out, it was not a fibroid, but cancer. I was misdiagnosed all this time.
“I remember hearing that and immediately saying to myself: ‘I refuse to make an agreement with that diagnosis’. And so I didn’t.”
Jessica had been battling the disease since her diagnosis but tragically died.
Reyni said: “Life will never be the same without her crazy laugh, pranks, or jokes.
“Losing a sibling feels like a connection between us was destroyed. I love you with all my heart.”
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How to protect yourself against cervical cancer
CERVICAL cancer is most commonly diagnosed in women in their early 30s, with around 3,200 new cases and 850 deaths each year in the UK.
According to CRUK, the five-year survival rate is around 70 per cent – and the earlier it is caught, the better.
Cervical screening programmes and HPV vaccines have reduced rates and save 4,000 lives each year.
It is vital you attend your smear test and get jabbed when invited, and that you know the symptoms of cervical cancer to look out for.
These aren’t always obvious, and they may not become noticeable until the cancer has reached an advanced stage.
But you might notice:
- Unusual bleeding (often after sex, between periods, or after the menopause)
- Pain and discomfort during sex
- Vaginal discharge (often unpleasant smelling)
- Pain in your lower back, between your hip bones or in your lower tummy
Women are invited to have regular cervical screenings between the ages of 25 and 64. How often depends on your age.
The HPV vaccine, which helps protect against the virus, is recommended for children aged 12 to 13 and people at higher risk from HPV.
Source: NHS and Cancer Research UK