Oakwood Solicitors
Call us: 0113 200 9787
Request a call back
Enquiry form
Email us
Service finder

Cancer Claims

Trustpilot 5 stars
Home » Personal Legal Services » Medical Negligence » Cancer Claims

One in three people in the UK is affected by cancer in one of its many varying types. Cancer research has increased the prospects of cancer survival significantly over the last twenty years, with more and more people surviving cancer than ever before.

Survival and recovery rates rely upon prompt diagnosis and appropriate care being put into place. Common Medical Negligence cancer claims involve the delay in diagnosis, misdiagnosis of cancer and failure to implement appropriate care once a diagnosis has been made.

Statistics for diagnosed cancer cases Pie chart for diagnosed cancer cases

Types of Cancer Claims

There are generally three types of claims involving cancer patients:

  1. Delay in diagnosis – This is where there has been a significant delay in you undergoing appropriate tests and being diagnosed with the correct condition- link yo misdiagnosis page
  2. Incorrect diagnosis – When you have been diagnosed as suffering from cancer when in fact you are suffering from a less sinister condition.
  3. Incorrect or inappropriate treatment – When you have received your diagnosis however the treatment for the same is incorrect or inappropriate.  The results can be devastating.

For further information about these types of claims, visit our Medical Misdiagnosis section, here.

Which Cancers Are Most Commonly Misdiagnosed?

Certain cancers can be very difficult to diagnose and some people are advised that they have cancer when they do not and vice versa. This can obviously be devastating to those involved and their families.

Cancer misdiagnosis is common, and presently this is increasing. The most common are:

Other cancers that are misdiagnosed include Ovarian, Cervical, Prostate, Skin, Testicular, thyroid, stomach and a whole variety of other cancers.



How Do I Make a Claim?

If you feel that a medical professional has misdiagnosed your cancer or there has been a delay in diagnosing your cancer, you could be entitled to compensation. The team at Oakwood Solicitors will be able to give you free advice on the prospects of your case and whether you would be eligible to make a claim.

How Long Do I Have To Make A Claim?

Cancer claims of this nature are subject to a three-year limitation period. This means that you will have three years from the date you became aware of negligence or in cases where the patient is sadly no longer with us – three years from the date of death, to bring about a claim. These claims are complex and lengthy. Please do not delay, contact our specialist team as soon as possible.

Our personal services

Bladder Cancer

What is Bladder Cancer? The bladder is an organ in the body that gathers urine from the kidney and stores it there until the body ejects or ‘wees’ it out. Tumours can form in the lining of the bladder and they then travel to the bladder muscle. There are two kinds: Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer –…

Find out more

Bone Cancer

What is Bone cancer? Bone cancer is a rare type of cancer that initiates in the bones. This needs to be differentiated from secondary bone cancer that starts in another part of the body before passing to the bones. There are around 550 new cases diagnosed each year.   What are the symptoms? Bone cancer…

Find out more

Bowel Cancer

What is Bowel Cancer? The bowel is part of the digestive system and is located in the lower part. It is divided into the small bowel or small intestine and the large bowel which is also known as the colon and the rectum. Bowel cancer starts in the large bowel but it can then spread…

Find out more

Brain Cancer

What Is Brain Cancer / Brain Tumour? Brain tumours form in the brain due to cells that have grown in an abnormal manner. There are two kinds of tumours: Cancerous Cells (Malignant) – They grow faster and have a propensity to spread to other organs of the body. They also have the likelihood to grow…

Find out more

Breast Cancer

What is Breast Cancer? Breast Cancer is a type of cancer that affects the tissue around the breast. It most commonly affects women, but men can develop it as well. It usually affects the area around the nipple or the glands that make milk. It is the most common cancer that affects women in the…

Find out more

Cervical Cancer

What is Cervical Cancer? Cervical cancer is a cancer that grows in the cells that line the walls of the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus or womb. It is about 2-3cm long, but this can change in shape during pregnancy. It is used in menstruation and sexual reproduction. Statistics Cervical…

Find out more


What is Leukaemia? Leukaemia is a cancer which affects the blood cells, usually the white blood cells that help fight infection. In Leukaemia patients, the white blood cells do not work in the same way and abnormal cells are produced. The body is therefore not able to fight off infection in the same manner. There…

Find out more

Liver Cancer

What is Liver Cancer? Liver cancer starts in the cells of the liver. The liver’s main function is to produce bile that then breaks down fats, vitamins and other nutrients as well as alcohol, medications and toxins. Liver cancer is broken down into two main types: Primary Liver Cancer  it is uncommon but a serious…

Find out more

Lung Cancer

What is Lung Cancer? Lung carcinoma, or lung cancer, starts either in the trachea, bronchus or the actual lung itself. The cells in the lung start to grow out of control which then forms into a tumour that is malignant.   It is vital that this type of cancer is determined as soon as possible…

Find out more

Melanoma / Skin Cancer

What is a Melanoma Cancer? Skin cancer, or Melanoma, is a cancer that forms in melanocytes. These are skin cells that produce melanin or the colouring in your skin. Skin cancer can appear anywhere on the body but appear more often on the backs of men or the lungs of women. There are various kinds…

Find out more

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

What is Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL)? Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) are blood cancers that include all lymphomas APART from Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Lymphomas develop from blood cells called Lymphocytes. They are white blood cells that form part of the lymphatic and immune systems. The lymphatic system is made up of lymph vessels that are found all over the…

Find out more

Oesophageal Cancer

What is Oesophageal Cancer? The oesophagus (also known as the food pipe or the gullet) is the tube in the throat that carries food into the stomach. Oesophageal cancer develops when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and is categorised into two areas: Squamous Cell Carcinoma – Tends to develop in the middle or upper part of the…

Find out more

Oral Cancer

What is Oral Cancer? Oral or Mouth Cancer is where a tumour develops in the mouth. It could be located: On the tongue. The inside of the cheek. Roof of the mouth. Lips. Gums. They can also develop towards the back of the mouth, such as: Glands that make saliva. Tonsils. The pharynx which connects…

Find out more

Ovarian Cancer

What is Ovarian Cancer? Ovarian cancer forms in the ovary (or ovaries) of females. Ovaries make up part of the female reproductive system. Ovaries are small circular organs that are found either side of the uterus and are connected to the fallopian tubes. They produce an egg which is then released each month. If the…

Find out more

Pancreatic Cancer

What Is Pancreatic Cancer? The pancreas is used for the digestion of food and the endocrine system. It is a gland that secretes hormones into the blood, helping with the breakdown of food and absorption of nutrients. The pancreas is located behind the stomach and is connected to the first part of the intestine. Pancreatic…

Find out more

Prostate Cancer

What is Prostate Cancer? The prostate gland is a gland that is part of the male reproductive system. It sits just below the bladder, surrounding the urethra (the tube that connects the bladder to an external opening, allowing urination and ejaculation). In young men, the prostate gland is around the size of a 10 pence…

Find out more

Testicular Cancer

What is Testicular Cancer? Testicular cancer is a cancer that can form in one or both testicles. The testicles are part of the male reproductive system – their main role is to produce the male hormone, testosterone, and sperm.   It occurs mainly in men from the age of 15 to 50, and is a…

Find out more

Womb Cancer (Uterine or Endometrial Cancer)

What is Womb Cancer? Womb cancer is a type of reproductive cancer. Other reproductive cancers include ovarian cancer and cervical cancer. Most womb cancers develop in the lining of the womb (the endometrium), however, some develop in the muscle wall of the womb. Statistics Womb cancer is the 4th most common cancer in women in…

Find out more

Why Oakwood?


Get in touch in a way that suits you:

Call us on 0113 200 9787 or

Request a call back

Use our Enquiry form to get you on the right track:

Enquiry form

Reach us by email:




Accept Decline