OHF Welcomes Introduction of Jess’s Rule Across GP Practices
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- Published: Tuesday, 23 September 2025 10:40
- Written by News Editor
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Jess‘s Rule was developed in response to the tragic case of Jessica Brady, a 27-year-old who died from advanced cancer after her repeated concerns at her GP practice were not acted upon. The new guidance provides a clear safeguard: when a patient attends multiple times with the same or worsening symptoms, clinicians must stop, reflect, and reconsider whether further investigation or referral is required.
Dr Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation, said:
"From our work in mouth cancer, we know that too many patients have had to return several times before finally receiving a diagnosis. In some cases, their concerns were dismissed, causing devastating delays in treatment. For a disease where early detection is vital to survival, such delays can mean the difference between life and death.
"Jess’s Rule introduces an important check – a structured prompt to ensure that persistent or escalating symptoms are never ignored. This step has the potential to save lives, reduce inequalities in cancer diagnosis, and spare families the heart-breaking loss experienced by Jessica Brady’s loved ones."
The Foundation is calling on healthcare professionals to apply this principle rigorously in cases where patients present with possible symptoms of mouth cancer – such as non-healing ulcers, unexplained lumps, or red and white patches in the mouth – and to make urgent referrals whenever there is doubt.
Dr Carter added:
"Jessica Brady’s legacy is a powerful reminder that patient voices must always be heard. Jess’s Rule will reinforce that principle, giving patients reassurance that their concerns will not be overlooked."
Image Credit: Family Photo
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