A GWENT cancer survivor is backing a charity’s calls for a review of diagnostic services for the disease in Wales.

A Cancer Research UK report raised concerns with diagnostic testing capacity, direct access to tests through GPs, and even access to GPs in parts of Wales.

Jade Jones, 25, of Pontypool, waited more than two months after seeing her GP before a Hodgkin’s Lymphoma diagnosis in 2013.

And she believes she would have waited longer had she not “pushed it” due to her worry at finding a small lump on her neck.

Initially thought to be a cyst, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – a cancer of the body’s lymphatic system – was diagnosed after a camera test, a CT scan, and a biopsy.

“My GP was shocked when the results came back,” said Ms Jones.

“They thought it was a cyst and it was only because I pushed it and they knew I wouldn’t rest, that they referred me.

“I was lucky, it was caught at stage one. I felt a lump on my neck while on work experience and asked a colleague if they had the same.

“My experience is that it takes the longest to be diagnosed. If I hadn’t pushed it, it would have taken longer.”

She added: “But it was hard for the GP. I had no symptoms, and the small lump wasn’t sore.

“While waiting, your mind is all over the place.

"Everyone says don’t worry, but in the back of your head you’re thinking the worst.

“If somebody goes to their GP with a lump, they should be tested for the worst case scenario.

"If they are clear, fine. If not, then no time has been wasted.

“I support a review because anything that speeds up and improves diagnosis has to be good for patients.”

Diagnosed on May 29, 2013, Ms Jones underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

She was declared clear in January, 2014.

The report urges the Welsh Government to speed up the introduction of a single pathway to record waiting times from the point of suspicion of cancer.

It also calls for more measures of performance, including the proportion of patients: Seen by a consultant within 14 days of referral; receiving a definitive diagnosis within 28 days of suspicion of cancer, and; starting treatment within 14 days of a decision to treat.