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Cancer Misdiagnosis Costs NHS Millions
23 Jul
Summary
- A woman died after her GP misdiagnosed her bowel cancer symptoms.
- NHS paid nearly £190m for misdiagnosed cancer claims in five years.
- The NHS has missed cancer treatment targets since 2015.
A preventable tragedy highlights significant issues within the NHS's cancer diagnosis protocols. Helen Dutton, a 35-year-old finance manager, died at 40 after her initial GP wrongly attributed her bowel cancer symptoms to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome.
Two years after her first GP visit in late 2016, a different doctor referred her for scans and a colonoscopy in January 2019, which confirmed advanced rectal cancer. Despite undergoing extensive treatment, her cancer returned, and she passed away in August 2021.
New figures reveal the NHS in England has paid almost £190 million over the last five years to settle 870 claims involving delayed or misdiagnosed cancer. Total costs, including legal fees, have increased significantly.
Legal experts noted that difficulties in accessing urgent cancer testing and overlooked symptoms contribute to these lawsuits. The NHS has not met its target to begin urgent cancer treatment within 31 days of agreement since December 2020.
A government spokesperson acknowledged that mistakes happen but stated progress is being made through initiatives like Jess's Rule and a national cancer plan to improve early detection.
