Claire O'Shea: Cancer campaigner misdiagnosed with IBS dies aged 42
A woman who used the time she had left following a terminal gynaecological cancer diagnosis to improve outcomes for others has died.
Claire O'Shea was diagnosed with stage-four uterine leiomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer, in 2023 after initially being told she had irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
She had waited almost two years to get a cancer diagnosis. By then, the cancer had spread to her lungs, liver and hip bone, and it was too advanced for doctors to save her life.
After sharing her story publicly, Claire said she was contacted by hundreds of women and families with similar experiences in Wales and beyond.
She launched Claire's Campaign a year ago, focusing on "ensuring policy change through people's voices and stories and campaigning to change the culture of dismissing women's voices in healthcare settings".
A statement shared by Claire's Campaign said: "We are heartbroken to share that Claire O'Shea has passed away. She died today, Monday 12 May, surrounded by her loved ones.
"Anyone who had the privilege of meeting Claire will remember her vibrancy, humour, and incredible determination. After receiving her own incurable gynaecological cancer diagnosis following a poor experience, Claire made it her mission to raise awareness and make sure that other women in Wales wouldn't have to go through the same.
"Since launching Claire's Campaign exactly a year ago, hundreds of women have come forward to share their experiences, and the campaign has driven change at the highest level in government. The impact Claire has had is immeasurable, and we are so proud of everything she achieved. Even in her final days, Claire remained open, courageous, and committed to campaigning for change.
"We owe it to Claire to continue this vital work, and we are passionate about keeping her legacy alive through Claire's Campaign. Thank you to everyone who supported Claire, and to all the women who bravely shared their stories. Together, we will honour Claire's memory and make sure no one facing gynaecological cancer is left unheard."
In 2023, Claire's story formed part of a Senedd inquiry into how women with gynaecological cancer are treated in Wales. Its report found a "bias" against women and said women's cancer concerns were being "dismissed, downplayed and unheard".
The report made 26 recommendations, most of which the Welsh Government accepted.
Speaking to ITV Cymru Wales, Claire previously said: "The majority of the time it's women who are dismissed, like 'oh you're premenopausal, so you might be having symptoms because of that'. Or maybe 'you've got IBS,' which is what I was told.
"Lots of partners, husbands, brothers and sons have been in touch as well, to say 'this has happened to my mum or to my sister', and sadly the women have died because the cancer has been found so late."
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