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Cancer can develop in almost any part of the body, and early diagnosis is often key to successful treatment. Unfortunately, some patients experience avoidable delays or errors that can have life-changing or even fatal consequences.

The importance of early cancer diagnosis

When cancer is detected early, treatment tends to be less complex and outcomes are generally better. A delay or misdiagnosis can allow the disease to progress to a more advanced stage, reducing treatment options and recovery prospects.

How diagnostic errors can happen

Delays and misdiagnoses can arise from:

• Failure to recognise or investigate symptoms appropriately
• Misinterpretation of scans or test results
• Administrative mistakes between departments
• Lost or overlooked referrals
• A lack of follow-up on abnormal results

Even a short delay can have significant consequences for prognosis and treatment success.

What the NHS says about recognising possible warning signs of cancer

According to the NHS, there are a number of general symptoms and specific signs that may warrant investigation. While most will not be caused by cancer, it is important to contact your GP if you notice anything unusual that does not go away.

General symptoms may include:

• A new lump or swelling anywhere on the body
• Unexplained sweating, particularly at night, or a recurring high temperature
• Feeling unusually tired
• Unexpected bruising or bleeding, such as blood in your stool, urine or vomit
• Pain that feels unusual or persistent
• Unexplained weight loss or reduced appetite
• Needing to urinate more often or urgently, or pain when passing urine

Symptoms affecting your skin may include:

• A new mole or changes to an existing one
• A sore, rash or patch that does not heal
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)

Symptoms affecting digestion may include:

• Persistent heartburn or indigestion
• Frequent or long-term bloating
• Changes in bowel habits, such as ongoing diarrhoea or constipation

Symptoms affecting your mouth or throat may include:

• Difficulty swallowing
• A hoarse or croaky voice
• A mouth ulcer that does not heal
• Red or white patches in the mouth

Symptoms affecting your lungs and breathing may include:

• A cough that lingers or worsens
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing up blood

Symptoms affecting your genitals may include:

• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Bleeding between periods, after sex, or following menopause
• Difficulty getting or keeping an erection
• Blood in semen

To learn more about what the NHS says about cancer, visit NHS: Cancer.

When a delay or error amounts to negligence

Not every delay in diagnosis will amount to negligence. However, if a medical professional fails to recognise symptoms, misinterprets test results, or neglects to arrange timely investigations or referrals that a competent clinician would have made, it might be considered negligent.

Negligent delays can lead to the cancer progressing to a more advanced stage, limiting treatment options and reducing life expectancy. In such cases, patients may be entitled to pursue a Medical Negligence Claim.

Legal time limits in England and Wales

In England and Wales, medical negligence claims are usually subject to a three-year limitation period. This means court proceedings must begin within three years of the date of negligence or the date you became aware that negligence caused your injury.

Because medical evidence takes time to obtain, it’s advisable to seek legal advice as soon as you suspect a delay or misdiagnosis.

To learn more about the limitation period, including exceptions to it, read: How long do I have to make a medical negligence claim?

Askews Solicitors medical negligence department is here to support you

Our clinical negligence solicitors have extensive experience handling cases involving delayed and incorrect cancer diagnoses.

We can:

1. Review your medical records to determine whether mistakes were made.
2. Obtain independent medical evidence to support your claim.
3. Guide you through the claims process and ensure your rights are protected.
4. Help you recover compensation for pain, suffering and financial loss.

Arrange an appointment with our Middlesbrough and Redcar-based medical negligence solicitors

If you believe a delay or misdiagnosis of cancer has affected you or a loved one, Contact Us to arrange an appointment.

Or visit Misdiagnosis Claims to learn more about how we can help.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice.