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Cancer Delay: Family Devastated by 9-Year Diagnostic Failure
26 Jun
Summary
- Prostate cancer diagnosed nine years after initial symptoms appeared.
- GPs admitted breach of duty and apologised for diagnostic delay.
- Terry Adams died in September 2024 after cancer became incurable.
The family of Terry Adams has spoken out about their profound grief after a nine-year delay in his prostate cancer diagnosis led to his death.
Adams, from South Kirby, first experienced symptoms in March 2012 but was not diagnosed until 2021. By this point, the cancer had spread and was incurable. He passed away in September 2024 at the age of 68.
Two GPs involved in his care have acknowledged a "breach of duty" and extended apologies to the family. They expressed regret for the "devastating impact" the prolonged delay in diagnosis and subsequent treatment had on Terry and his loved ones.
Despite a family history of prostate cancer and initial concerning test results in 2012, including a raised PSA level, a crucial referral for a biopsy was not actioned following a follow-up appointment. Medical records indicated that the patient's condition was stable, with a plan for future review if necessary.
