Trailblazers: The Irish mother who exposed a cervical cancer scandal - BBC News

[@user-xy4ff5yp7b]

To die of cancer is tragic. But to die of cancer when it could have easily been prevented is appalling.

[@ewechoober3355]

Vicky lost her battle two weeks ago, RIP. She has done so much to educate Irish women about cervical cancer.

[@jcortese3300]

Lost one battle but won another incredibly important one -- props to her and sympathies to her family and friends. 😞

[@sofiadelrio315]

I am very 😞 sorry.

[@madrasaseries]

:(

[@trishr.3986]

I had uterine cancer and a hysterectomy at 29, after fighting for two years of invasive tests and a lot of pain. My cancer was contained within my uterus and my body was trying to force my uterus out of me. My surgeon said he had heard of it, and I was the only case he had actually seen in his entire career of 30+ years. I am 61 now (2022). Fight for yourself. When it comes down to it that is what you have to do. Make history repeat itself in the decency of winning your own self-worth. That's what Vicky has shown us.

[@chile8161]

I thought doctors took an oath to do no harm. These doctors who withheld information deserve to have their medical license stripped away. No one, I mean no one, deserve to be harmed by their doctors.

[@wynbrown7321]

Was Dr. Tony Holohan part of the charade.

[@johnnewgent3640]

@@wynbrown7321 He was.

[@MedicalAutonomyProject]

100%. Omissions to cover up mistakes should cost a doctor their license. Mistakes are forgivable. Coverups are not.

[@winterinbloom]

Lol! You'll have to get the notion that doctors take their oaths seriously out of your head as soon as possible. Always be suspicious of your doctor, NEVER put all of your trust in them. You'll live a lot longer.

[@avadhutpatil9]

That lady is one strong woman and a true source of inspiration. I wish from bottom of my heart that she somehow survives.

[@cathy1971]

Very moving. I watched this then saw that Vicky died a few weeks ago. An impressive woman. Thinking of her family as they grieve.

[@WindTurbineSyndrome]

Rip Vicki

[@melonie_peppers]

Oh😔

[@madrasaseries]

:(

[@racegrooves]

Thanks for putting these on KZbin!

[@lilysadventures8673]

RUUUUDE

[@johnhaslam9243]

.L

[@jasmineaustin2114]

This is absolutely horrible. I feel so bad for her. No amount of money makes up for the loss of lives and pain and suffering.

[@dominicconway1112]

Change not compensation is needed more

[@theresahemminger1587]

I don’t understand why they didn’t tell her; but, most of all, I don’t see how anyone can keep a medical license when they don’t treat a serious condition when they are aware of it.

[@LONE_WOLF_GANG]

I thought a false positive was scary. A false negative is a horror show!! I can't begin to imagine what she's going through emotionally right now the poor lady!!

[@dia9491]

RIP Vicky, you have protected so many women. Thank you.

[@nightengale2123]

What a sad story. 😥 I am a 20 year endometrial cancer survivor which if I did not open my mouth an advocate for myself and pretty much forced my doctor to do an endometrial biopsy on me my cancer would have been diagnosed at a later more difficult stage stage to treat. My doctor listened to me and did the biopsy because II am an R.N. and had the medical knowledge to present my case for needing to have this procedure which should not have had to happen. And I often think of how many women who should have had an endometrial biopsy but did not know they should have had this test or how to advocate for themselves and died due to a delayed diagnosis which greatly saddens me.

[@kerrissedai6857]

What were your symptoms? What did you say to present your case?

[@gala_pi]

You could share how you presented your case. But here you are not helping a bit all these woman to advocate for themselves.

[@Stonewall1861]

She is a inspiration to all the women in the world.Vickey is also a brave women to stand up for what is right.Ireland will be a better place for it. Thank you BBC for sending me this story today .

[@charmainejones44]

Keep strong

[@RMunoz-te7jc]

Yes BBC investigate America, it's far worse, false negatives everyday

[@fergusfitzgerald6936]

You deserve a kiss Vicky!

[@Elle-vm3ge]

Vicky is a true hero, thank you Vicky, rest in peace 🕊

[@lumpcrabbarnacle3382]

I had oral cancer which the doctor kept telling me was ok even when I told him how painful it was. Finally my dentist took a biopsy and it was bad! Part of my tongue was surgically surgically removed and 32 lymph nodes. Then I had radiation and it’s been hell

[@HaloHighlightz]

Oh gosh, I’m so glad you’re still with us! What did the original doctor say after you were diagnosed?

[@c.c.6930]

I hope you are doing well now...

[@felichia808]

What a sad story. What a truly brave, strong lady. God rest her soul.

[@johnnewgent3640]

🤣

[@LS-fe4ob]

Tried to make her sign a gagging order! These corporations have NO morals

[@shawndamichelle639]

Lara Stewart didn’t want their dirty deeds getting out to the public. May affect shareholders!

[@keljenks3523]

@@shawndamichelle639 is this all you think? Dont you feel there is more to it

[@shawndamichelle639]

kel Jenks there’s definitely more. I’m just giving a reason for why the corporation may want a gag order.

[@keljenks3523]

@@shawndamichelle639 this is getting outta hand and i am not finding it funny really,

[@keljenks3523]

@@shawndamichelle639 do you mind if we talk about alot more on the state of the nation on WhatsApp, very long i have looked foe that friend that would discuss issues like this with me

[@SlackSlackSlackSlack]

May she rest in peace now. Thanks for the fight Vicky.

[@colmoconnor1357]

A wonderful woman. She has done so much for the women of Ireland. Hopefully this never happens again. Rest in Heavenly Peace Vicky. Thank you.

[@MedicalAutonomyProject]

Ontario Canada is 20 weeks behind processing pap smears due to laboratory backlog. For many women this would be in addition to the pap itself being delayed 1-2 years because many doctors stopped seeing patients in person during covid.

[@robinflea]

It makes you wonder about American labs as well. How horrible for my Irish sisters.

[@studmalexy]

State run healthcare.. you are a "statistic" and Beurocrats decide if you are worthy of treatment.

[@trishayamada807]

Mr Hole as if INSURANCE companies want to cure you?? No they’d rather have you die FAST.

[@trishayamada807]

SicSemperEvelloMortemTyrannis TyrannyEnder they make more from ALIVE sick people. Dead people don’t create a market.

[@studmalexy]

@@trishayamada807 get educated about state run healthcare....don't make it your "IDOL" (as many Brits make an IDOLout of the NHS_ kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHitkJqwh7mCfdU

[@trishayamada807]

Mr Hole I used state run care and it was FAR BETTER. Thanks. I’ve lived in Scotland and Japan, the farthest you’ve gotten is your mother’s basement.

[@eoinphelan6080]

May Vicky Rest in Peace 1974 - 2022 ❤❤

[@Iamhome365]

And sadly we lost her very recently. An absolute disgrace what happened

[@forevermore5118]

We should be ashamed at our medical health system!

[@luckyme4136]

For those lucky enough to have a mother, give her a hug now.

[@lyndamcleod2242]

Very courageous woman! So glad you publicised this! My poor dear woman,x x x

[@jlynnc9559]

In America they stop Pap smears and mammograms at 70. Women are living into their 90s. My Aunt died of ovarian cancer at 80. She could have lived well into her 90s.

[@mygirldarby]

Yes the US medical system is bad here for many reasons. But I want to point out that Pap tests do not test for ovarian or uterine cancer. They only test for cervical cancer. Women need to be better informed about this because they may have symptoms of disease but because they recently had a pap test they believe they are in the clear. They're not. The reason Pap tests may be stopped in older women is because these tests only test for cervical cancer, and cervical cancer is caused by HPV, which is a virus that is sexually transmitted. Most people's immune systems clear HPV from their bodies in 18 months or so, but some people with certain gene mutations can't clear HPV. If you are a 70 year old woman and you've had clear pap tests, you don't have HPV and you're not going to get it unless you sleep with someone new. Most 70+ women are not dating or having new sex partners. Therefore it is impossible for them to get cervical cancer. 99% of cervical cancers are caused by HPV. Ovarian cancer is not caused by HPV, and there is no simple test for it. It is usually diagnosed too late when the cancer has spread because the symptoms are vague and sometimes there are no symptoms until it has spread. I'm sorry about your aunt. I hope better treatments and earlier detection tests for ovarian cancers are developed. As for mammograms there is a lot of debate on this and research shows that mammograms aren't saving lives like they thought they would. False positives cause women great deal of stress and unnecessary fear. Mammograms aren't as useful as were once thought and the medical world is turning away from routine.tests like these.

[@hhin]

RIP Vicky, the bravest of the brave.

[@downhilltwofour0082]

Such a brave and giving person!

[@evelynbarry5046]

I don't understand, how did the doctors NOT tell the women the results of the tests??

[@WindTurbineSyndrome]

It was misdiagnosed then when mistake found doctor waited a long time to tell her.

[@raspberries97]

1976-2022 Rest In Peace 🙏🏻

[@marieapple6866]

Doctors and Labs should be held responsible and they should lose out of their money to pay for everyone's care that they've neglected!

[@ourblueheavendesign]

Marie Apple they need to go to jail!!

[@fergusfitzgerald6936]

I agree with both of you completely!

[@roisinsteed5241]

Amazing Woman. Even though she was so ill she fought with all she had for all of us women in lreland. I pray to God she will go on living with the new drug she pushed to get and did for herself. She’s a real hero. Thankyou Vicky.

[@cellosean]

Rest in peace, Vicky. Lives were saved thanks to YOU. 🍀Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam.

[@lynnkent2318]

RIP Beautiful lady........May God reach out and bless you always x

[@drbettyschueler3235]

Here in the US it took me 2 years to find a physician to order a mammogram, for me, as I was "too young to have breast cancer" as there was no history of it in the family. By the time it was diagnosed, it had already spread throughout my body. It has been 29 years of various treatments, radiation, and surgeries but I'm still alive and kicking. Each time it looks like it is the end a new treatment has been approved. I've been on my current treatment for three years so I should have one more year before a new treatment will be needed. Some days I feel like I'm playing Wack a Mole with cancer but it is better than the alternative. Hopefully Vicky, and the other women, will get new treatments as they need them so that they can live to see their children grow up as I did.

[@barbrn]

Vicky died a month ago.

[@debbylou5729]

They weren’t ‘misdiagnosed’. They were part of the bonus situation that rewards socialized medicine doctors for saving money on treatment. I was in Canada and went untreated and untested for hypothyroidism A $12 test

[@mygirldarby]

Sorry but it happens the same in the US, probably more. This has zero to do with socialized medicine. Insurance companies will refuse to pay for tests they dont think are needed and will punish a doctor who orders "too many" tests by refusing to allow the doctor to accept their insurance. Huge insurance companies like Blue Cross blue Shield have the insurance market cornered so a doctor who can't offer blue cross to their patients will not have many patients. Insurance companies decide whether they will pay for expensive meds, surgery, etc. And these companies are FOR PROFIT, so you better believe they do whatever they can to stop a patient from getting expensive care. If you think "socialized medicine" is bad, try getting medical care for a serious illness in the US. In the US the number one reason for personal bankruptcy is medical bills.

[@debbylou5729]

@@mygirldarby no, it doesnt

[@debbylou5729]

@@mygirldarby nope you’re wrong. I understand that not many people understand economics, but it goes like this. In the US if an insurers tries that then you buy your insurance elsewhere. Socialized medicine gives the people one insurer. If you don’t like it, tough. You might be ….let’s say ‘confused’ because some people BOUGHT HMOs. They were restrictive. You don’t hear about them any more because people stopped buying them. Your socialized medicine is worse and you can’t do a thing. Unless you want to go with assisted suicide (just another term for socialized medicine). And yes socialized medicine has death panels. They just call them ‘cost/benefit’ meetings. How much will that 58 year old work to pay off this kidney transplant………

[@RudesMom]

@@debbylou5729 Until "Obamacare" most working age Americans and their dependents that had insurance got it through their workplace. You don't get to tell the boss that no, BlueCross isn't for me, I want Humana, the best you can hope for is one of two or three plans offered by a single company. There was no elsewhere unless you were rich or changed jobs. Now, if you have a government plan you may find that either the price or the deductible is so high, you "have" insurance but you really can't use it and that assumes that there's a doctor in your area that's taking patients with the government plan. This, however, is NOT an endorsement of socialized medicine either since they can (and do) say oh, you are how old? Sorry, no treatment of X for you.

[@debbylou5729]

@@RudesMom still wallowing in propaganda on behalf of socialized medicine. Obamacare made getting healthcare too expensive for anyone. Since I’ve experienced both maybe get some actual experience on the subject.

[@Alifeofglory]

This is happening in the United States as well, and it happened to me. I almost died, ended up bleeding so bad I was at the emergency. I lost many organs in surgery because of the spread.

[@spark5012]

RIP. Not sure how this relates to her case, but I learned to ask for my own copies of all tests, images, etc. AND any report that may have gone with them, such as the radiology report. Do this at the time they happen. You have a right to that. You can also ask for past tests/images and their reports. Don't just take the Doctor's word on what the test says, even if they seem to be a fine doctor.

[@leonaleona1628]

A brave woman! Prayers for healing 🙇‍♀️

[@keljenks3523]

@Sara H its obvious they say what they want the public to believe,

[@valnsky]

A pap smear should be annual check as in Europe. Once every 3 years is borderline dangerous

[@kylieminogue-fan4836]

i love this lady. a true warrior. every single person admires her

[@johnnewgent3640]

Not everyone. She was an abortion supporter.

[@katie8325]

@@johnnewgent3640 so she deserves to die of cancer? I thought all life was sacred and precious? Hypocrite.

[@johnnewgent3640]

@@katie8325 I didn't say that, you did. Liar!

[@sailoranandgardener]

A true Irish ....God bless you...You will Live long...The World need braves like You.Namaste!

[@azzx5738]

Ireland is such a beautiful country and the woman of ireland have always been extremely brave and courageous in the fight against injustice. Ireland greatest achievement as a nation is our compassion and humanity please let us never loose this 🙏 I believe in my country and the people to fight for the lives of mother's daughters because what you tolerate for one you tolerate for yourself.

[@johnnewgent3640]

That Ireland is long gone.

[@ravenstylea2]

The people involved don’t just need to lose their jobs, they need serious jail time and a formal public apology- even though they don’t care.

[@moinmir3719]

It's such a shame. But why would people not notify them. It's unethical , against the Hippocrates oath in the medical field. What can people save by not spending in the good health of the people. May God bless in such a hard time.

[@kissazoto8125]

They are mostly in Hypocrite s oath darling x I am a doctor myself, and I don't 2 believe that...but it's TRUE AGENDA 21

[@harleyquinn5774]

Klodiana Zoto “true” Agenda 21 is pure bullshit, you conspiracy nut. And yes I have read what Agenda 21 is about and the fear mongering if it regarding so-called genocide.

[@diellzah4796]

Because she could have had more children

[@ΑντωνηςΜανωλαγκας]

Shocking,these doctors have murdered this woman

[@7saany]

I believe my mother was misdiagnosed... she had doctors appts every month. And when they found her cancer she was stage 3 & 4!!! How is it possible they spent that time seeing her and never saw it!?

[@7saany]

@SuperMutant Piana 2.0 This makes a lot of sense. she does have Medicaid and sees many diff doctors

[@Flipper86]

My mom was misdiagnosed in the 80’s. . .treated for back pain for months when she had ovarian cancer. They didn’t ‘stage’ back then, but the cancer had spread so it was likely stage 4. I believe the cause was her relatively young age and lack of high tech scans available today. Her only symptom was back pain.

[@woudgy]

@@Flipper86 it's one of the most difficult cancers to detect, which is why access to (accurate) pap smears is so important. We need more cytotechnologists to process results and clearly we need careful oversight and failsafes in place.

[@michellejones7999]

@@Flipper86 exactly the same with my mum it’s awful isn’t it , back pain and painkillers doctor gave her it was her dentist who found a lump in her neck that sent her to hospital but far to late by then 😢

[@Flipper86]

@@woudgy Um, Pap smears don’t detect ovarian cancer. . .

[@carolineoc13]

Rest in peace Vicky

[@agathahofmann6977]

Do not trust people at their word, even doctors and scientist. Ask for proof. Do it for Vicky. Thank you for your fight, RIP

[@Vent330]

What a bloody disgrace, brave woman

[@bobbypaluga4346]

Terrific mom and wife, I’m so sorry the system let her down. This is so awful, there is no more fore mistakes with cancer.

[@Jessica-kk1cz]

Also. Who are the specific people within the government who are responsible. Their names. Saying “the government” is too broad, it’s meaningless. The public deserves to know their names and what each specifically did either actively or passively. Holding people publicly accountable is literally the only way to make psychopaths like those people think twice.

[@whits4046]

God bless you for all you've done Vicky. I will pray for your health. Your selfless act of continuing the fight for other womens rights touched my heart. Sending love, good health & strength from Canada! ࿎࿎

[@forevermore5118]

Sadly we lost her recently. 😞 your comment would have meant a lot to her!

[@zizivenus1536]

Who would put a thumbs down for this story. Really sick people.

[@jasminebambury5841]

What an incredible woman

[@maryammohamed8904]

Thank you sister!

[@emu9520]

RIP to our amazing Vicky So loved and admired in Ireland I feel so angry your life was robbed from you. We will speak of you always Our trailblazing , fearless, Brave amazing Vicky ❤

[@elizdonovan5650]

Amazing lady May she RIP. 🌲🌝☘️

[@lucyloughran6441]

Rest in power Vicky 🤍

[@fionn5305]

Amazing story........thank you from NYC

[@lizlorraine463]

Wow! Strong women like this saving the world, making it better for all our children! Just unbelievable what has happened to these women. Same here in the US. I thank this woman and her bravery! Misogynists want to shut women up, but no longer!! I sent positive energy to this mother that she beats this cancer!! Read Dr Hyman and others. ❤️💪

[@BillODriscoll-jo2ve]

What a really sad story Vicky told her story so well and with such great composure

[@sssalsera]

Thank you all my sympathy for those women

[@followingbluebird]

What a legend she was. Rest in peace beautiful lady 💔

[@guydecervens]

"When women help other women we are at our best and better than any men" - Vicky Phelan

[@johnnewgent3640]

🤣

[@emu9520]

@@johnnewgent3640 shame on you

[@johnnewgent3640]

@@emu9520 Ya, shame on me for exposing the truth 🙄

[@soniczforever5470]

Thank you for speaking out.

[@forevermore5118]

Rest in peace Vicky. You were a true warrior for yourself and the rest of the women of Ireland. We owe you a lot! Thank you!

[@julienewsome7471]

What a brave lady

[@sadelewis2095]

And also look into the screening for breast and ovarian cancer to..........

[@georgettevachos5516]

God Bless 🙏 I'm so sad that people get away with Evil Acts like this.

[@drashmaria]

So heartbreaking. .. God bless and help all of them and long life

[@susanwills4723]

God bless you darling. I am devastated for you. RIP sweetheart. You are such an inspiration. God bless all the husbands and children to. Such a waste of life.

[@lg231]

Well done Vicky you are brave!

[@lenitaa7938]

Good video! Yet, it didn't explain Why these women were Not told!!

[@marykelly9698]

Rest in peace Vicky God bless your family everyday , you were the one chosen by the Lord to do this hard work of fighting for the women of this country and you did your job well , the government of ireland don't care about its Irish citizens we see it day after day and the cover up day after day , greed and corruption will have to be answered to maybe not in this life but most certainly in the next , rest easy beautiful lady xx

[@zachariahsmith1324]

I wouldn't call being failed by the government + health system as chosen by god.

[@michelleboldan5]

Cervical cancer survivor and I was not diagnosed at my pap the year before , it had left my cervics but didn’t spread far , had radiation and a cesium implant twice and chemo .

[@eileenbirchall5869]

RIP Vicky Phelan

[@guavaB52]

It happened to me too. A whole year of going back and forth to doctors before finally ending up finding out I had cervical cancer 7 years ago. I'm grateful I'm Ok now, but I always live with the fear of it coming back.

[@sunitafisher4758]

🌸 it will never come back sweetpea Say everyday I am getting better and better everyday in every way & smile While you say it feel it deep within and also see yourself elderly many many yrs in future with happy healthy family all around you

[@ameliepoulain8947]

God rest her soul ❤️ RIP

[@lindavirgilio4225]

This is tragic.

[@moonhunter9993]

I had an op...and the gynecologist told me I was clear, but he lied. As a result I waited 8 years before discovering that I needed further treatment. At first I thought, it had returned. The next gynecologist had the lab results send to her and informed me that I had been walking around with a ticking time bomb as it had never been properly removed the first time. I am lucky to be here.

[@Hello-pp3hl]

Honestly I would never trust a man to be my gynecologist. Not just cause it's weird that a man specifically chose that profession, but because a man can't take your concerns as seriously as someone else who has a vagina

[@moonhunter9993]

@@Hello-pp3hl where I live, we didn't get a choice. Only one gyno available who would travel once a month to this town for consultations and did surgery every 3 months. The woman who helped me, took over from him.

[@internetuser7156]

I'm sure this is happening in the US too. 😡😡😡

[@cfield1468]

Bless her ❤🇺🇸

[@sapphirerain70]

Wow😮 that is awful ! I wonder why they weren’t told though? Was it one doctor or several? This is crazy. What were they getting out of covering this up?😢

[@melaniehopkins9266]

good on you absolute legend i have just finished treatment in australia just been told it has been a success god bless you and your family❤

[@marcela7197]

RIP Vicky

[@zaramarland8402]

Brave, brave lady

[@BillODriscoll-jo2ve]

I8 women that have died from this type of cancer is absolutely horrendous 💔 Its beyond heartbreaking 💔 😢

[@BillODriscoll-jo2ve]

In my opinion id say that vicky was a very down to earth woman So very sad She had beautiful eyes

[@trishaprett7721]

300 women affected.RIP Vicky.our Irish Warrior Queen.She said she wanted no government representatives at her funeral.Shame on the Irish Government.There was an attempt to cover up this scandal and no body was held accountable.The women who died were killed by our HSE.Condolences to all the families of the fallen.

[@chriswinters7848]

Ireland has lost a remarkable women who should be still with us today.

[@dianeg3267]

😢 So sad to learn that Vicky died. What an honorable and brave woman. 🙏

[@christinefury1040]

Who were the men who covered it up? They need to be held accountable. Jail! You don’t get to tow the line for corporate interests and not suffer consequences.

[@BillODriscoll-jo2ve]

May vicky rest in heavenly peace Taken from this world far too soon

[@bobuk161]

Pray for uou and the other woman Vicky x

[@arjaygee]

Bravo, Vicky! This story is appalling.

[@woudgy]

This is so disturbing.

[@hed3723]

RIP Vicky 🥺

[@dorhulse6718]

God bless you,Vicky.

[@patkenny164]

Brave Lady telling her truth and doing a service to others.