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Delays in cancer diagnosis leading to compensation payouts

Delays in diagnosing ovarian cancer are leading to big compensation payouts, research suggest

Delays in diagnosing ovarian cancer are leading to big compensation payouts, research suggests.

The Medical Defence Union (MDU) examined 209 complaints between 2002 and 2011 made against doctors involving the disease.

In 84% of cases, the allegation involved a delay in diagnosis, with patients mistakenly thought to have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the bowel condition diverticulitis and anaemia.

In the majority of cases, the doctor was accused of making an incorrect diagnosis, although other factors included failing to exclude ovarian cancer when there was a family history of the condition and delays in referring patients for tests or to a specialist.

In at least 59 cases the patient died from the cancer.

Of 71 claims referred to the MDU, which represents doctors accused of negligence, eight have been settled, 15 are ongoing and the remainder have been discontinued or are out of time.

The amount of compensation paid ranged from just over £9,000 to £550,000.

Dr Rachel Sutcliffe, medico-legal adviser at the MDU, said: “This is a chameleon disease where typical symptoms, such as stomach pain and bloating, are very similar to those of other common conditions.

“For example, in one of the cases we reviewed, the patient experienced a delay of several months before their ovarian cancer was diagnosed because she had a history of gastrointestinal problems which the doctor believed were causing her symptoms.

“It’s also possible to have a sizeable ovarian tumour which is asymptomatic.

“It is understandable for patients and the families to feel that an opportunity has been missed when doctors do not initially make the correct diagnosis, but given the non-specific nature of the symptoms, failure to diagnose ovarian cancer is not necessarily negligent.

“However, the seriousness of the condition means it is important that when the diagnosis is considered, doctors take steps to exclude it within a reasonable timescale.

“It’s also important for them to make appropriate, timely referrals for further assessment, treatment or procedures, particularly if there is no improvement in the patient’s condition.”

Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer in women in the UK, with about 6,800 new cases each year.

It usually affects women who have reached menopause – about 85% of women diagnosed are over the age of 50, though it can occur in younger women.

Symptoms include loss of appetite, indigestion, nausea, excessive gas and a bloated, full feeling.

Some women experience unexplained weight gain or an increased waist size, swelling in the abdomen and pain in the lower abdomen.

There may also be a change in bowel or bladder habits, such as constipation, diarrhoea or needing to pass urine more often.

Other possible signs include lower back pain and pain during sex.

The Government’s national cancer director, Professor Sir Mike Richards, said: “Ovarian cancer is difficult to diagnose and that is one of the reasons why we are providing over £450 million over four years to support earlier diagnosis of cancer.

“This money will fund a range of activity, including awareness campaigns and increasing GP access to diagnostic tests such as non-obstetric ultrasound to support the diagnosis of ovarian cancer.”



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