Bowel cancer misdiagnosis can occur when a doctor incorrectly diagnoses someone with a different condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome, when they actually have bowel cancer. This can lead to delayed treatment, which can worsen a patient's prognosis.

Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK; depending on where the cancer begins it can also be called colon or rectal cancer. Bowel cancer can be difficult to diagnose, as symptoms can be similar to other bowel issues, which are not as serious. However, if your symptoms persist, doctors and other medical professionals have a responsibility to act quickly as a late diagnosis or misdiagnosis can have devastating consequences, which can lead to the cancer being incurable or having to undergo more advanced treatment.

If you have suffered loss or harm due to a late diagnosis or misdiagnosis of bowel cancer, then you may be eligible to claim compensation. Our dedicated and professional bowel cancer solicitors will listen to your story. During our free consultation, we will be able to determine if you have a case or not. So, don't delay and contact our clinical negligence solicitors today.

At Forbes Solicitors, our clinical negligence solicitors are experts in dealing with bowel cancer claims. We understand that bowel cancer can be difficult to diagnose, however, medical professionals have a responsibility not to ignore signs and symptoms and to also act quickly when they appear. A late diagnosis or misdiagnosis of this cancer can result in needing more aggressive treatment and unfortunately, it can also lead to the cancer spreading and becoming terminal.

Bowel cancer symptoms can be subtle and can be similar to other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), however, there are some key signs to watch out for:

• A persistent change in bowel habits;

• Blood in the poo without other symptoms (such as haemorrhoids);

• Abdominal pain, bloating and discomfort brought on by eating.

The NHS recommends that you see your GP if you have one or more of these symptoms and they last for more than four weeks.

Bowel cancer can also cause a bowel obstruction which can be very serious and is a medical emergency. The symptoms of a bowel obstruction can include:

• Intermittent, and occasionally severe, abdominal pain;

• Weight loss without trying;

• Constant swelling of the tummy and being sick.

If you start to have symptoms of bowel cancer, then go to your GP who will carry out an examination. If they believe you have bowel cancer you will be referred to your hospital for tests and a further examination called a flexible sigmoidoscopy or a CT colonography. If you have a bowel obstruction you may be given a CT scan. Once these tests have been completed, health professionals will be able to determine if you have bowel cancer and if you do, what stage you are in.

By its nature, bowel cancer can be difficult to diagnose, but if you or any member of your family have suffered from medical negligence in regards to a bowel cancer misdiagnosis, you may be entitled to compensation. At Forbes Solicitors, we have approachable expert solicitors that can help you with your bowel cancer misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis claim. We can also represent families where the sufferer has already passed away.

Bringing a compensation claim can help you access specialist care and support, such as private medical care or medications that are not available on the NHS. You may also be able to claim for loss of earnings and any expenses you may have already occurred.

If you have suffered loss or harm due to negligence, then you will have three years to bring a claim. We recommend that you contact a specialist clinical negligence solicitor as soon as possible. Speak to one of our dedicated and highly qualified solicitors today, and if you have a case, we will be by your side throughout the whole process and ensuring that you know what is going on and what the next steps will be.

Our highly skilled teams possess vast expertise in providing proficient legal services for compensation cases related to misdiagnosis of Bowel Cancer to clients throughout the UK. Get in touch with us to communicate with our teams at the earliest opportunity.