Sky Sports News presenter Jo Wilson has revealed she was mistakenly told her cervical cancer had returned, describing the ordeal as feeling like “my whole world had crumbled all over again”.
Wilson was diagnosed with stage three cervical cancer in September 2022 before announcing in March 2023 that there was “no evidence of disease” following treatment.
In an Instagram post, the broadcaster explained that after a routine three-year scan in February, doctors told her the cancer had returned in one of her lymph nodes.
“I couldn't believe it – it felt like my whole world had crumbled all over again,” she wrote.
“But after being referred to the high-dose radiotherapy team, one consultant questioned whether the diagnosis was actually correct.
“What followed were five months of tests, scans, waiting and uncertainty before, last week, I finally got the news I’d been desperately hoping for, it wasn’t cancer after all.”
She continued: “The lymph node is now thought to be a benign neuroma – a cluster of nerves that was likely inflamed at the time of my original scan.
“The relief was indescribable, but so too is the emotional toll from the last five months, believing – then not knowing if my cancer had returned.
“Living with that uncertainty was incredibly hard. On the outside, life carried on – I worked, was being a mum, played (lots of) padel, spent time with friends and family, and smiled for photos.
“But underneath it all, I was carrying something very heavy, and there were times I found myself in some very dark places.”
Wilson went on to say that she had shared the misdiagnosis as she doubted whether those who had lived through a cancer diagnosis “ever truly feel free of it” even following the all-clear.
Symptoms of cervical cancer
Early-stage cervical cancer often causes no symptoms and is frequently detected through routine cervical screening (this includes a smear test). As per the NHS, common symptoms of cervical cancer can include: vaginal bleeding that's unusual for you – including bleeding during or after sex, between your periods or after the menopause, or having heavier periods than usual; changes to vaginal discharge; pain during sex; pain in your lower back, between your hip bones (pelvis), or in your lower tummy. If you get symptoms between your regular cervical screening appointments, do not wait for your next appointment. Talk to your GP or practice nurse and get the symptoms checked.
She added: “The fear of recurrence can stay with you long after treatment ends, and I think it’s important we talk about that reality.
“If you’re someone living beyond a cancer diagnosis, please know you’re not alone.”
Wilson also said she shared the story as “we never really know what someone else is carrying” and said it was her “reminder to be kind”.
If you have been affected by the topics discussed in this article, Macmillan can offer support and information. You can contact their helpline on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week from 8am to 8pm), use their webchat service, or visit their site for more information.
