A ‘courageous wife’ died of skin cancer after being told by doctors there was ‘nothing to be concerned about’.
Charlotte Kerns, of Worsley, Salford, visited GPs on numerous occasions after first discovering a mole-like growth on the top of her left hand.
It was removed twice but no biopsies were taken until it was removed for a third time in 2017, confirming it was cancerous.
In 2019 she suffered a seizure and was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumour which was confirmed to be as a result of the malignant melanoma which spread to other parts of her body.
The 48-year-old died last year, the Manchester Evening News reported.
Husband Richard, 55, said: “Charlotte was such a kind, generous and loving person and her death has left a huge void in so many people’s lives.
“Life will never be the same without her by my side. We had so many hopes and dreams for the future that we now won’t get to fulfil.
“Despite the lesion coming back several times, she never believed she was given the impression there was anything to be concerned about.
“We couldn’t believe it was cancerous…nothing prepared us for the diagnosis after Charlotte had suffered a seizure.
"To be given the devastating news that cancer had spread to her brain was horrific, heartbreaking and life-changing.
“Trying to come to terms with Charlotte’s diagnosis was, and remains, particularly difficult to accept.
“Despite this, she fought the cancer time and again and with such courage and bravery.”
Before her death, Charlotte instructed specialist medical negligence lawyers to investigate whether her cancer could have been diagnosed sooner.
Richard is continuing the investigation himself in search of answers.
He added: “I’d do anything to have Charlotte back in my life. However, I know that’s not possible but feel I deserve answers regarding what happened.
“I also hope that by speaking out, people and families affected by cancer feel they don’t have to suffer alone as help and support is out there.”
Richard, the managing director of a public relations firm, has spoken about Charlotte’s story to coincide with World Cancer Day on February 4.
A tribute page dedicated to Charlotte, with the option of making a donation to St. Ann’s and/or MacMillan, can be found here .
