The failure to diagnose cancer in a timely manner can mean the disease progresses to a more acute stage before it is found. With each passing day that cancer goes undetected or untreated, it is able to cause more damage. While some cancers are slow growing, and some are more curable than others, any delay can make the difference between curative and palliative treatment.

In practical terms, this may necessitate more radical and urgent treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, than that which would otherwise have been required. For example, in the case of bowel cancer, if this can be detected in its first stage, it may be possible to remove a polyp which may become cancerous or develop further. But left another few months, cancer may spread beyond the colon to local lymph nodes and ultimately distant organs. There are many treatment options for those with more advanced cancer, however, the opportunity to be cured may be lost if cancer diagnosis or treatment is delayed.

To bring a claim for cancer medical negligence, it will be necessary to provide evidence that:

• The medical care you received was below a satisfactory standard (i.e. that another medical professional would not have made the same error), and

•  This negligence caused you damage or injury.

To prove your case, we will compile evidence including medical records, and seek expert medical opinion.

Claims following cancer medical negligence may cover two areas of loss:

• Pain and suffering due to cancer; and

• Specific costs relating to cancer. This may cover costs already incurred, such as transport, accommodation, medical treatment, and expected future costs such as loss of earnings and care needs.

The costs you receive will be based on the precise injury suffered and the circumstances of the case.