When does bowel or colon cancer become a medical negligence claim?

If bowel or colon cancer is treated in time, the chances of recovery are good. However, if there are substantial delays the cancer may spread and can become life threatening.

If a medical professional fails to treat you correctly, which causes significant delays, and the cancer grows or spreads, you may be entitled to claim bowel cancer compensation due to medical negligence.

How is bowel or colon cancer diagnosed and treated?

Bowel cancer is usually diagnosed following tests such as an x-ray, a CT scan and a biopsy. A camera may also be inserted through the rectum. If cancer is discovered, it can be treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Occasionally, surgery or a colonoscopy may be undertaken to remove the cancerous growth.

For more information about bowel cancer, the symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment, visit the NHS website.

What are the most common causes of delays?

In the majority, medical professionals provide patients with a high standard of care. However, there are occasions when mistakes do happen which cause delays which can be life-threatening. The most common causes of delays are:

• Failure to recognise symptoms, such as pain and passing blood
• Failure to carry out adequate examinations or tests
• Failure to advise a patient to return if their symptoms persist or worsen
• Mistakes by pathologists who examine the tissue under a microscope
• Mistakes by radiologists who interpret x-rays and scans

If you believe negligent delays caused your bowel cancer to get worse, please contact one of our bowel cancer solicitors for advice on making a No Win No Fee compensation claim.

Make a bowel cancer compensation claim

Our team of bowel cancer solicitors are one of the best in the country and are highly ranked in independent legal guides such as Chambers and Partners and Legal 500.

The team are highly experienced in dealing with negligent bowel cancer claims and can provide you with the best possible service, not only ensuring that you get the best outcome to your case, but can ensure you get the treatment and additional support you need to assist with your recovery.

Visit our medical negligence FAQs or medical negligence claims guide for further information on how to make a bowel cancer compensation claim.

Contact us for a free consultation to help you understand whether or not you have a bowel cancer claim or call 0330 041 5869.

Can I change my solicitors to Slater and Gordon?

If you or a family member have been seriously impacted by medical negligence, and you feel that you're not getting the specialist legal advice you need from your current solicitor, we'll be happy to discuss switching your case to Slater and Gordon. Simply call our experts on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online.