The Oral Health Foundation has announced its support for Jess’s Rule, a new initiative aimed at preventing delays in cancer diagnosis. The rule is designed to ensure that patients who repeatedly raise concerns about their health are taken seriously and that serious conditions are not missed.
Dr Nigel Carter OBE, chief executive of the Oral Health Foundation, commented on the issue of delayed diagnoses in mouth cancer cases. "We know from our work in mouth cancer that too many people have had to return to their GP multiple times before finally receiving a diagnosis. In some cases, their concerns were dismissed, leading to devastating delays in treatment. For a disease where early detection is absolutely critical to survival, these delays can mean the difference between life and death."
He explained how Jess’s Rule could help address this problem: "Jess’s Rule will provide GPs with an important safeguard - a clear prompt to stop, reflect and reconsider - ensuring that persistent and escalating symptoms are never ignored. This has the power to save lives, reduce the inequalities that exist in cancer diagnosis, and prevent other families from experiencing the heart-breaking loss suffered by Jessica Brady’s loved ones."
Dr Carter urged healthcare professionals to be vigilant when assessing potential signs of mouth cancer. "We urge healthcare professionals to apply this principle rigorously in cases where patients present with symptoms of mouth cancer - such as non-healing ulcers, unexplained lumps, or red and white patches in the mouth - and to act swiftly on referrals when there is any doubt."
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of listening to patients: "Jessica Brady’s legacy is a powerful reminder that patient voices must always be heard. Jess’s Rule will help strengthen that principle and give patients the reassurance that their concerns will not be overlooked."
