THE heartbroken mother of a young woman who died of cancer after it was missed 20 times by her GPs paid tribute to those “who listened” as Jess’s Law finally comes into effect today.

Under the new “three strikes and rethink” approach, family doctors in England will be asked to think again if no diagnosis has been made after three appointments for the same symptoms.

GPs will be encouraged to consider a second opinion, see people face-to-face for physical examinations, order more tests and make specialist referrals where appropriate.

Jessica Brady died aged 27 from cancer in 2020 after her symptoms were missed by her GP surgery around 20 times over six months.

The Airbus engineer was told she was suffering from long Covid and that she was too young for her symptoms to be anything serious, as she was offered virtual appointments due to Covid restrictions and given antibiotics and steroids for symptoms including abdominal pain, coughing, vomiting and weight loss.

She was finally diagnosed with cancer that had spread throughout her body, but only after her mother Andrea paid for her to see a doctor privately.

Ms Brady said: “Jess lived for just three short weeks following her terminal cancer diagnosis.

“Despite her shock and devastation, she showed unfailing courage, positivity, dignity and love.

“It has taken nearly five years to bring about Jess’s Rule. I would like to dedicate this initiative to all the young people who have been diagnosed too late.

“It has only been made possible because of the people who have listened — politicians, medics, and the nearly half-a-million who supported the campaign.”

Half of 16- to 24-year-olds required three or more interactions with a GP surgery before being diagnosed with cancer, compared with one-in-five across the population, research has shown.

Royal College of GPs chairwoman Professor Kamila Hawthorne said: “No GP will ever want to miss signs of serious illness, such as cancer.”

Keep Our NHS Public co-chairman Tony O’Sullivan said: “Hand in hand with campaigning in support of an NHS that looks after our staff, employs enough GPs and other health workers and gives them time to do their job safely, we must advocate that health staff listen to patients, parents and carers and take their concerns seriously.”