What is Cancer Misdiagnosis and Why Does It Happen? | Nash & Co Solicitors
Written by Mike Shiers and Rebecca Brisley | Medical Negligence team | 6 February 2026
When you visit your GP or hospital with symptoms that could indicate cancer, you place a huge amount of trust in the professionals involved. You expect that tests will be carried out, results interpreted accurately, and any red flags acted upon quickly. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen.
Cancer misdiagnosis occurs when a medical professional fails to identify cancer when it is present, incorrectly diagnoses it as another condition, or delays the diagnosis to a point that affects treatment options and outcomes. In many cases, the result is unnecessary pain, distress, and, sadly, sometimes worse prognoses for patients and their families.
What this article will cover
In this article, we’ll explain what cancer misdiagnosis means in practical terms, why it happens, and what can be done when mistakes occur. We’ll also look at the wider impact of misdiagnosis and outline how cancer misdiagnosis claims work in the UK, along with how Nash & Co Solicitors can help.
How and why cancer misdiagnosis happens
There are many reasons why cancer can be missed, misdiagnosed, or diagnosed too late. Often it is not just one mistake but a combination of factors that lead to a missed opportunity to detect the disease earlier.
Common causes of cancer misdiagnosis include:
Failure to recognise symptoms: Some early cancer symptoms can be vague or mimic less serious conditions. If a GP or clinician fails to spot these warning signs, further investigation may not be arranged.
Inadequate examination or testing: When the right tests are not ordered, or when imaging such as X-rays or scans are misinterpreted, cancer can be overlooked entirely.
Administrative or communication errors: Misfiled test results, poor record keeping, or delayed referrals can all contribute to a failure to diagnose.
Failure to follow up: Sometimes patients are not recalled for follow-up appointments or repeat tests, leaving potential issues undetected.
Misinterpretation of results: Pathology or radiology errors can mean that abnormal cells are reported as benign when they are not.
In many cases, delays of even a few months can make a significant difference to the available treatment options or the overall prognosis.
The impact of a delayed or incorrect diagnosis
A cancer misdiagnosis can affect every aspect of a person’s life. The emotional toll can be just as significant as the physical consequences.
A delay or error in diagnosis can mean:
The cancer has progressed to a later stage before treatment begins.
More aggressive treatments, such as chemotherapy or surgery, are required.
Recovery times are longer and outcomes less certain.
There is lasting emotional trauma caused by the knowledge that things might have been different.
For families, the effects can also be deeply distressing. The uncertainty, frustration and loss of trust in healthcare providers can leave people feeling helpless at an already difficult time.
When mistakes occur, a medical negligence claim can provide a way to obtain recognition of what went wrong and financial support for ongoing care, rehabilitation or lost earnings.
When cancer misdiagnosis may amount to medical negligence
Not every instance of misdiagnosis will be considered negligence. To bring a claim, it must be shown that the care provided fell below an acceptable professional standard and that this caused avoidable harm.
For example, negligence might be found if:
A GP failed to refer a patient for urgent testing despite clear warning signs.
A scan or biopsy result was misread by a specialist.
A hospital lost or delayed acting on critical test results.
A patient was given a false all-clear when symptoms persisted.
If another competent medical professional would have acted differently and identified the problem sooner, then there may be grounds for a claim.
At Nash & Co Solicitors, our experienced medical negligence team works closely with independent medical experts to determine exactly what went wrong and how it could have been avoided.
What to do if you suspect your cancer was misdiagnosed
If you believe that a cancer diagnosis was missed or delayed, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. A solicitor specialising in cancer misdiagnosis claims can help you understand whether you may have a case and what evidence will be needed.
You can start by:
Requesting your medical records: these can help identify where communication or treatment failures may have occurred.
Keeping a record of events: note dates, appointments, and what you were told at each stage.
Getting a second medical opinion: this can help clarify your current diagnosis and treatment plan.
Speaking with a specialist solicitor: at Nash & Co Solicitors, we offer a free initial consultation to help you explore your options with no obligation.
How compensation claims for cancer misdiagnosis work
Cancer misdiagnosis claims aim to provide financial compensation for the harm caused by negligent care. This can include:
Pain and suffering experienced as a result of delayed treatment.
Loss of income if you have been unable to work.
The cost of additional care or support needed because of your condition.
Psychological harm and loss of amenity.
Every case is different. Some clients seek compensation to help with ongoing treatment or to provide financial security for their families, while others pursue a claim to prevent similar errors from happening to someone else.
Most claims are handled through a No Win No Fee agreement, which means there are no upfront costs and you will only pay legal fees if your claim is successful. Your solicitor will explain how this works in full before any claim begins.
How Nash & Co Solicitors can help
At Nash & Co Solicitors, we understand how devastating a cancer misdiagnosis can be. Our dedicated medical negligence team has extensive experience helping clients across Plymouth, Devon, Cornwall and throughout the UK.
When you contact us, you’ll speak directly with an experienced member of the team who will listen carefully, ask relevant questions and explain the options available. Everything is handled with care, sensitivity and transparency.
We can help you:
Assess whether you have a claim.
Gather and review medical evidence.
Liaise with independent experts and insurers.
Pursue compensation on your behalf.
You can contact us by phone on 01752 827067 or email medneg@nash.co.uk to arrange a free, confidential consultation. There is no obligation to proceed, and we’ll explain everything clearly from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions
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A cancer misdiagnosis happens when a medical professional fails to identify cancer, gives an incorrect diagnosis, or delays diagnosis to the point that it affects treatment or outcome.
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Yes. If the delay was caused by negligent care and it resulted in harm or reduced treatment options, you may be able to bring a medical negligence claim.
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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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Most medical negligence claims, including cancer misdiagnosis claims, are handled on a No Win No Fee basis.
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The time varies depending on the complexity of the case and how long it takes to gather medical evidence. Many claims are resolved within 12 to 24 months.
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Most claims are settled before reaching court, but your solicitor will prepare your case thoroughly in case a hearing becomes necessary.
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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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Yes. While we are based in Plymouth, we regularly assist clients throughout Devon, Cornwall and across the UK.
