BBC Breakfast host announces devastating news after star dies weeks after cancer diagnosis

BBC Breakfast's Jon Kay announced some devastating news on Tuesday when speaking about 27-year-old Jessica Brady, who died from cancer weeks after her diagnosis.

Introducing the segment, Jon explained, "GPs in England are being urged to think again if they're struggling to diagnose a patient after three appointments.

"It's part of new NHS guidance called Jess's Rule, named after 27-year-old Jessica Brady, who died from stage four cancer after contacting her doctor more than 20 times to try to get a diagnosis."

After cutting to a clip of Jessica, Jon added, "Our health correspondent Dominic Hughes has more."

He said, "Jessica Brady was a talented engineer at Airbus involved in the design of satellites." The clip then showed Jessica before she died talking about her job: "The first thing that struck me here when I came to Airbus was just how many women are in STEM and all around, and how inspiring they are."

When speaking about Jess's diagnosis, the BBC Breakfast host said, "But in the summer of 2020, Jessica began to feel unwell.

"Over the course of more than 20 GP appointments, she was told her symptoms were related to long COVID and that she was too young for cancer.

"Finally, a private specialist diagnosed stage four cancer, but by this time, it was too late. Jessica died just three weeks later at the age of 27."

Dominic went on to say, "Since the loss of her daughter, Jessica's mum, Andrea, has been campaigning to improve GPs' awareness and the diagnosis of cancer. So for her, the introduction of Jess's Rule is a big step forward."

Explaining further what Jess's Rule could do for other people, Dominic reported, "Under Jess's Rule, GPs will be asked to think again if, after three appointments, they haven't been able to offer a firm diagnosis or the patient's symptoms have escalated.

"That might mean arranging a face-to-face consultation, a thorough physical examination, or more diagnostic tests.

"GPs will also be encouraged to seek second opinions from colleagues, review patient records, and consider specialist referrals. The hope is that Jess's Rule will save lives and help catch serious conditions earlier, particularly in young people."

He added, "Jessica Brady missed out on the care she needed with devastating consequences, and while many GPs already operate a similar approach to Jess's Rule, it's hoped this new scheme will mean everyone, no matter their age or background, gets the right treatment when they need it."

BBC Breakfast airs daily at 6am on BBC One.