Warning: This article discusses cancer, which may be distressing for some readers.

The NHS has launched a groundbreaking new initiative for GPs in the UK, inspired by one woman's tragic cancer journey.

Jess' Rule aims to ensure that patients with potentially life-threatening illnesses are diagnosed more promptly. Doctors across the UK will adopt a 'three strikes and rethink approach' after three consultations.

This initiative asks GPs to reassess if, after three visits, a confirmed diagnosis has not been made or if the patient's symptoms have intensified.

This lifesaving plan, being implemented nationwide, is named after Jessica Brady, a young woman who sadly passed away from cancer at 27, following twenty appointments at her GP surgery that failed to diagnose her illness.

Jess, from Stevenage, first experienced symptoms in the summer of 2020. According to the BBC, she was initially told her symptoms were due to long Covid and that she was 'too young for cancer'.

Her mother, Andrea, recalled how her daughter persistently contacted her GP practice over five months as her symptoms worsened.

Jessica Brady tragically died just three weeks after her devastating terminal cancer diagnosis (PA)

Andrea shared: "She unintentionally lost a significant amount of weight, suffered night sweats, chronic fatigue, a persistent cough, and had very enlarged lymph nodes. Yet, due to her age, it was assumed there was nothing seriously wrong."

Jess had consultations with six different doctors at her practice, including three in-person visits with a family doctor, but was never referred to a specialist.

Eventually, she and her family opted for a private specialist consultation.

In November 2020, Jessica received a devastating diagnosis of terminal stage 4 adenocarcinoma, a cancer of the glands lining the organs.

With the disease so advanced, treatment options were unavailable, and Jessica was admitted to the hospital, where she passed away just three weeks later.

Discussing Jess' Rule, her mother Andrea said: "Jess lived for only three short weeks following her terminal cancer diagnosis. Despite her shock and heartbreak, she displayed unwavering courage, positivity, dignity, and love.

"Jess was determined that people should understand how hard she fought to advocate for herself and find a solution for her declining health."

Following her daughter's death, Jessica's mum Andrea has tirelessly campaigned to put this rule into place (PA)

She added: "In the bleak weeks after losing Jess, I realized it was my responsibility to continue what she started. It has taken nearly five years to establish Jess’s Rule.

"I dedicate this initiative to all young people diagnosed too late. It was made possible by those who listened—politicians, medical professionals, and the nearly half a million who supported the campaign."

Jess' Rule will encourage GPs to thoroughly review patient records, seek second opinions from colleagues, and consider specialist referrals when necessary.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting stated: "Jessica Brady’s death was a preventable and needless tragedy. I want to thank her courageous family, who campaigned tirelessly through unimaginable grief to ensure Jessica’s legacy helps save others.

"Patient safety must be the foundation of the NHS, and Jess’ Rule will ensure every patient receives the thorough, compassionate, and secure care they deserve, while supporting our diligent GPs in identifying potentially fatal illnesses."

If you’ve been affected by these issues and wish to speak to someone confidentially, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, available 8am–8pm, seven days a week.