A man who suffered with symptoms of prostate cancer for years was awarded £100,000 in compensation for an avoidable delay in diagnosis.
Despite having an abnormal PSA test, his prostate cancer went undiagnosed for two and a half years. During investigation of his medical negligence claim, it had spread to his spine and he was given just 12 months to live.
His solicitor, Miriam Bi of Medical Solicitors, helped him to make a claim against the GP that failed to act on the raised PSA test result.
Case summary
The claimant ‘C’ initially saw his GP in January 2011 with altered bowel habits. A rectal exam was normal but C was referred to hospital for investigations into possible bowel cancer.
C’s GP requested blood tests including a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to screen for prostate cancer. The results of the PSA were slightly abnormal at 7.9. A normal level is less than 4, but for a man of C’s age – he was 45 at the time – it should have been less than 3. The GP made a note to repeat the PSA in six months’ time.
In June 2013 – 2.5 years later – C saw another GP as he now had lower urinary tract symptoms, such as problems with his urine flow and urgency to pee. A PSA test was done again and this time the level was 17.91. C’s prostate was firm to touch and he was urgently referred to the urology department.
The following month, he underwent various investigations which confirmed he had prostate cancer. An oncologist devised a treatment plan of hormone therapy and radiotherapy.
By July 2016, the cancer had spread to his lymph nodes. Then in April 2021, he was told the cancer had also spread to his spine. He was given less than a year to live.
Litigation
The Claimant alleged an avoidable delay in diagnosis of his prostate cancer, which meant that he has lost the chance of curative treatment.
The defendant GP initially denied both breach of duty and causation. In the defence, they then admitted breach but denied causation.
The claim settled before joint expert statements in September 2021 for £100,000. This included £24,000 general damages for his pain and suffering.
