Maggie Report Reveals Shocking Delays in Cancer Diagnosis
A new report by leading cancer charity Maggies has exposed alarming delays in cancer diagnosis, with patients feeling batted away by their GPs. The findings, submitted to the UK government ten-year health plan consultation, highlight how patients struggling to secure GP appointments are being forced to seek emergency care at A and E or call 999 instead.
The shift to remote consultations since the pandemic has worsened the situation. Some patients have even received devastating news, such as their cancer spreading to the brain, over the phone.
Real Stories of Delayed Cancer Diagnosis
One patient waited six years for a cancer diagnosis after her symptoms were completely ignored. She had to pay for a private consultation before finally getting an NHS scan, which revealed multiple tumours.
A woman with breast cancer had her diagnosis delayed for months due to difficulty getting a GP appointment. She was only seen after calling NHS 111, which fast-tracked her to a specialist.
A man recovering from surgery with 25 staples in his head struggled to get a GP appointment, despite serious re post-operative concerns.
Maggies is calling for urgent improvements in GP services and expanded cancer screening programs for younger age groups, as cancer rates in people under 50 continue to rise.
Increase in Delayed Cancer Diagnosis Claims Legal Action Grows
The findings from Maggies align with data from Hutcheon Law, which has seen a surge in legal claims for delayed cancer diagnoses. Many patients have suffered life-threatening consequences due to waiting months, or even years, for essential diagnostic tests and treatments.
Why Are Patients Taking Legal Action
Missed early warning signs many cancers are more treatable when caught early.
Delays in referrals Patients report waiting too long for specialist appointments.
Cancelled treatments Some patients experience repeated delays in starting chemotherapy.
The legal experts at Hutcheon Law have successfully represented numerous patients in delayed cancer diagnosis claims, helping them seek justice and compensation for medical negligence all under a no win no fee service.
The Cost of Delays: Every Month Matters
Cancer Research UK warns that nearly 40 percent of urgent cancer patients waited more than two months to begin treatment in 2024. This is a critical issue, as studies from Queens University in Canada show that every four-week delay in treatment increases the risk of death by 6 to 8 percent.
What Needs to Change about delayed cancer diagnosis?
1. Better GP Access, Patients must be able to see a doctor quickly when experiencing symptoms.
2. Faster Diagnostic Testing Cancer tests should not be delayed due to NHS backlogs.
3. Improved Communication Patients should not receive life-changing diagnoses over the phone.
4. Increased Awareness Amongst GPs Doctors must recognise that cancer can affect young adults too.
Legal Help on Delayed Cancer Diagnosis Compensation
Cancer patients in the UK deserve better. As delayed diagnosis claims rise and charities like Maggies continue to report shocking cases of avoidable suffering, urgent reforms are needed to save lives.
Helpful Resources to Make a Claim for Delayed Cancer Diagnosis and Support
If you or a loved one have suffered from a delayed cancer diagnosis, learn more about your legal rights here:
Hutcheon Law Delayed Cancer Diagnosis Claims: https://www.hutcheonlaw.com/delayed-cancer-diagnosis-claims
For support and cancer care advice, visit:
Maggies Cancer Support: https://www.maggies.org/
