Mother died from cancer caused by her radiotherapy 8 years earlier
An AppArently fit and healthy mum died from cancer following a rare complication of successful radiotherapy for another disease.
Alana Shaw, 38, was treated for carcinoma of the cervix in 2013 and initially responded well.
But last year the pensions and mortgage adviser noticed stomach discomfort while out running.
Initial scans did not reveal any further cancer but when symptoms persisted, doctors discovered she had peritoneal mesothelioma – a cancer in tissue lining the abdomen that is normally related to asbestos exposure.
the mother- of-two was admitted to hospital last month and died two days later. Her fiance Steven peel said at the time: ‘Our
‘Our hearts are shattered’
hearts are completely shattered.’
An ensuing investigation looked at whether Miss Shaw, from Bowdon in Greater Manchester, was ever exposed to asbestos, a toxic fibre-like material used in buildings before 2000. But experts concluded the prudential insurance worker developed the illness as a result of radiotherapy.
In a statement to the inquest into her death, police coroner’s officer Joseph Keys said of Miss Shaw: ‘She enjoyed running and days out walking with her family and together, she and her partner Steven have two children.
In 2013, she was diagnosed with carcinoma of the cervix and received treatment for that, including radiotherapy. She was later diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, which can be linked with working with asbestos.’
He added: ‘ Her partner confirmed that upon her diagnosis, Alana looked into the possibility that she had worked with asbestos, but couldn’t really pinpoint when she could have worked with asbestos and they did not make further inquiries.’
A statement by Dr paul taylor describing her treatment was read out at the inquest held at Manchester Coroner’s Court.
Dr taylor, a consultant in medical oncology at Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester, said: ‘She was diagnosed in 2013 with carcinoma of the cervix and was treated. She received a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which was given with curative intent.
‘A follow-up scan showed an excellent response to the treatment but in February 2020, she felt lower abdomen discomfort following a run.’ He said Miss Shaw had scans of her pelvis and abdomen in March 2020, but there was no evidence of cancer.
‘But the symptoms persisted and she had further scans, which in turn lead to a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma,’ he said.
He said Miss Shaw’s medical records showed no history of working with asbestos, adding: ‘previous radiology treatment to the pelvis could have been a contributing factor but it’s a rare complication.’ recording a narrative verdict, coroner Zak Golombek said: ‘the radiotherapy intended to treat her carcinoma of the cervix contributed to her death and she died from recognised complications from necessary medical treatment.’ the cause of Miss Shaw’s death was peritoneal mesothelioma contributed to by carcinoma of the cervix.
Mr Golombek added: ‘I find that peritoneal mesothelioma was contributed to by the radiotherapy and not by asbestos exposure.’
Miss Shaw’s fiance Mr peel, a company inspection manager, said last month: ‘even on the darkest and hardest of days she managed to stay so positive.’