Woman died from cancer after nine-month wait for test results

A Welsh mother of three died from cancer after a nine-month delay in receiving pathology test results, which an inquest heard prevented potentially life-extending treatment. Sarah Catherine Daniels, 43, died at home in Porth, Rhondda Cynon Taf, in April 2025. The inquest at Pontypridd Coroners' Court heard the pathology department was "completely overwhelmed by demand" following the Covid-19 pandemic. Coroner Rachel Knight called the delay "unacceptable," stating it reduced the chance of successful chemotherapy. Daniels had surgery in February 2022 to remove an ovarian mass, with samples sent for testing. Consultant Mohamed Khalifa said the delay meant Daniels lost time in treatment, and her Risk of Malignancy Index was "incorrectly reassuring." She later sought private care at the Christie cancer centre in Manchester and received chemotherapy at Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff, but cancer returned. The coroner recorded a narrative conclusion, apologising to Daniels' family.