What to Do If Your Cancer Symptoms Were Dismissed | Nash & Co Solicitors
Written by Mike Shiers and Rebecca Brisley | Medical Negligence team | 6 February 2026
It can be incredibly difficult to process the thought that your concerns weren’t taken seriously when you first sought help. Many people who later receive a cancer diagnosis can recall early visits to their GP or hospital, where their symptoms were attributed to something minor or temporary.
You might have been told it was “probably nothing serious” or “just a virus”. Maybe you were prescribed medication for a different condition or told to come back if things got worse. When it later becomes clear that those symptoms were the early signs of cancer, it’s natural to feel frustrated, angry, or let down.
What this article covers
In this article, we’ll explore what it means when symptoms are dismissed or misinterpreted, why this can happen, and how it may amount to medical negligence. We’ll also look at what steps to take if you think your cancer diagnosis was delayed because your symptoms were not taken seriously, and how Nash & Co Solicitors can help you pursue justice and support your recovery.
Why symptoms sometimes get dismissed
Most healthcare professionals do an excellent job under immense pressure. But mistakes can happen, particularly in busy GP practices and hospitals where time and resources are stretched.
Symptoms may be dismissed as something minor because:
The symptoms seemed non-specific. Early cancer symptoms, such as fatigue or mild pain, can mimic far less serious conditions.
Time pressures during appointments. Short consultations sometimes lead to incomplete histories or missed questions.
Failure to refer for tests. A GP might not order scans or blood tests if the symptoms don’t seem serious at first glance.
Assumptions about age or health. Younger patients or those with no known risk factors may not be considered high risk.
Communication issues. Important details shared by patients may not be recorded accurately or passed on to specialists.
Whatever the reason, when symptoms are dismissed and the diagnosis is delayed, it can have life-altering consequences.
The impact of dismissed symptoms
When cancer is not diagnosed early, it often progresses to a more advanced stage before treatment begins. This can mean:
More aggressive or invasive treatment.
Lower survival rates and a reduced chance of full recovery.
Longer recovery times and ongoing health complications.
Significant emotional distress for patients and their families.
For many, the hardest part is knowing that an earlier diagnosis might have changed the outcome. Some clients describe feeling as though their trust in the healthcare system has been shaken, while others simply want to ensure no one else goes through the same experience.
When dismissed symptoms may amount to medical negligence
Not every missed diagnosis counts as negligence. For a claim to be successful, you must show that the care you received fell below the expected standard, and that this caused avoidable harm.
This could include situations where:
Your GP or doctor ignored or downplayed clear warning signs.
You repeatedly sought help but were not referred for tests or to a specialist.
Test results were lost, delayed, or not followed up.
There was a failure to investigate symptoms that persisted or worsened.
If another competent medical professional would have acted differently in the same circumstances, it may be possible to bring a medical negligence claim.
What to do if your symptoms were dismissed
If you believe your cancer symptoms were ignored or dismissed, it’s important to take the right steps to protect your position and begin understanding what happened.
Request your medical records: this includes GP notes, hospital reports, and referral documents. They can show what symptoms were recorded and what actions were taken.
Make notes about your timeline: write down when your symptoms started, who you saw, what advice you were given, and when the correct diagnosis was finally made.
Seek an independent medical opinion: another specialist may be able to confirm whether the delay likely affected your outcome.
Get legal advice: speak to an experienced medical negligence solicitor who can review your case, gather expert evidence, and explain your options.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Nash & Co Solicitors can talk through your situation in complete confidence and help you understand whether you have grounds for a claim.
How to prove that your symptoms were wrongly dismissed
Proving that symptoms were dismissed due to negligence usually involves reviewing medical records, obtaining expert reports, and identifying points where the standard of care fell short.
Evidence might include:
Notes showing that your symptoms were reported multiple times without proper follow-up.
Missed opportunities for referrals or testing.
Communication records between healthcare professionals.
Expert medical analysis explaining how earlier intervention could have changed the outcome.
This process can take time, but a skilled solicitor will manage it on your behalf, keeping you informed at each stage.
How compensation can help
If your cancer diagnosis was delayed because your symptoms were dismissed, compensation can help address the practical and emotional consequences.
This may include financial support for:
Additional or more aggressive treatment.
Time off work or loss of earnings.
Rehabilitation and ongoing care.
Pain, suffering and reduced life expectancy.
Most cases are funded through a No Win No Fee agreement, which means there are no upfront costs and you only pay a success fee if your claim succeeds.
How Nash & Co Solicitors can help
At Nash & Co Solicitors, we have extensive experience supporting clients whose symptoms were dismissed or misinterpreted by medical professionals. Based in Plymouth, we work with people throughout Devon, Cornwall and across the UK, offering expert legal guidance with empathy and clarity.
When you contact us, you’ll speak directly with an experienced team member who will listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain your options in plain language. There’s no pressure to proceed — just straightforward, honest advice about whether you may have a claim and what the next steps look like.
To find out more or to arrange a free initial consultation, call 01752 827067 or email medneg@nash.co.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, if your GP failed to act on symptoms that a competent doctor would have investigated further and this caused a delay in your cancer diagnosis.
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Your medical records, appointment notes, and any correspondence between you and your doctor are key. Independent expert reports can also be used to show where negligence occurred.
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In most cases, you have three years from the date you were diagnosed with cancer. Exceptions exist, so seek advice promptly.
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If you raised ongoing concerns that were not taken seriously and your condition worsened as a result, you may be able to bring a claim.
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Yes. Family members or executors of an estate can bring a claim on behalf of a loved one who has died as a result of negligent care.
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Most medical negligence claims are settled outside court through negotiation. Your solicitor will prepare everything in case a hearing becomes necessary.
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No. Nash & Co Solicitors offer No Win No Fee funding, meaning you don’t pay anything upfront and only pay if your claim succeeds.
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Yes. While we are based in Plymouth, we regularly assist clients throughout Devon, Cornwall and across the UK.
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It varies depending on the complexity of the case, but many are resolved within 12 to 24 months.
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You can speak to us for free, with no obligation. We’ll review your situation and help you understand whether a claim is worth pursuing.
