NHS Unveils 'Jess's Rule' to Prevent Delayed Cancer Diagnoses in GP Practices
September 22, 2025
Developed in collaboration with the Royal College of General Practitioners, the guidance emphasizes that repeated symptoms without improvement should prompt reconsideration of the diagnosis to avoid misdiagnosis.
The policy aims to reduce avoidable deaths caused by delayed or missed diagnoses, especially for serious conditions like cancer.
Experts highlight the importance of rapid, consistent implementation of Jess's Rule and adequate resources for specialist services to handle increased referrals.
The initiative is part of broader efforts to improve early cancer detection, ensuring patients receive timely treatment, supported by educational tools for healthcare providers.
Jess's Law is integrated into NHS reforms aimed at increasing cancer diagnoses within 28 days and recruiting more GPs, though systemic reform and resource allocation remain crucial for sustained success.
Jessica Brady's family advocates believe the new guidance will promote quicker action by GPs when symptoms persist or worsen, potentially saving lives through earlier diagnosis.
The NHS has introduced a new 'Jess' rule' across GP practices in England to prevent delayed diagnosis of serious illnesses, inspired by Jessica Brady's tragic death from undiagnosed cancer at age 27 after multiple GP visits.
This rule recommends a 'three strikes and a rethink' approach, urging GPs to review cases after three appointments, considering face-to-face consultations, additional tests, or specialist referrals if symptoms persist.
The rule seeks to reduce misdiagnosis, address health disparities, and better protect terminally ill patients by encouraging thorough evaluations.
The initiative focuses on preventing late diagnoses among young people by urging healthcare professionals to listen more carefully to patients' concerns.
Jess's Law supports GPs in making timely diagnoses to improve outcomes, while also addressing disparities faced by younger and minority patients to reduce health inequalities.
Healthcare leaders, including the Chair of the Royal College of GPs, endorse Jess's Law, emphasizing that timely diagnosis is vital for better patient outcomes.
Summary based on 32 sources
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Sources

The Guardian • Sep 22, 2025
English GPs adopt ‘Jess’s rule’ to help ensure they do not miss serious illnesses
BBC News • Sep 22, 2025
Jess's Rule: GPs to re-check some patients for deadly 'misses'
BBC News • Sep 22, 2025
Jess's Rule: GPs to re-check some patients for deadly 'misses'
Daily Mail • Sep 23, 2025
The woman who died after her cancer was dismissed by her GP 20 TIMES sparks NHS overhaul