13 October 2018
Bowel cancer is very treatable but the earlier it is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat. People whose cancer is diagnosed at an early stage have a much higher chance of successful treatment than those whose cancer has become more widespread. Nearly everyone survives bowel cancer if diagnosed at the earliest stage. However this drops significantly as the disease develops. Early diagnosis really does save lives
The symptoms of bowel cancer can include:
- Bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your poo
- A persistent and unexplained change in bowel habit
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason
- A pain or lump in your tummy
There is only a small chance that bowel cancer will come back after five years.
More than 16,000 people die from bowel cancer in the UK every year. It is the second biggest cancer killer in the UK. But the number of people dying of bowel cancer has been falling since the 1970s. This may be due to earlier diagnosis and better treatment.
We acted for Mr T, Deceased, who first developed symptoms of bowel cancer in late 2016, including a change in his bowel habits and rectal bleeding. These continued through to August 2017. Mr T attended upon his GP numerous times over this period; however, the GP disregarded his symptoms, did not examine him, and simply provided prescriptions for piles.
Mr T eventually received a referral to the Hospital in September 2017, where it was found that he had Stage 4 bowel cancer. Following treatment at the Hospital, including surgery to remove the bowel and intense chemotherapy, Mr T sadly passed away in May 2018 at the age of 44.
Williamsons Solicitors are investigating the actions of the GP on behalf of the Estate, and whether or not Mr T should have been referred for earlier treatment, and if such referral would have resulted in his cancer being less aggressive.
Our expert medical negligence solicitors have a wealth of experience on dealing with cancer misdiagnosis claims. If you would like to speak to one of our experienced Solicitors, please contact Williamsons on 01482 323697.
