Widow receives compensation after husband’s bowel cancer was wrongly diagnosed
Melissa Cutting has been paid £50,000 in damages, after her husband’s deadly bowel cancer went undiagnosed for two years.
What happened?
Chris Goodhead, 41, first visited his GP back in April 2005 after experiencing some rectal bleeding. At the time his GP, Dr Asim Islam, diagnosed him with piles and prescribed cream and suppositories.
Two years later, in April 2007, his symptoms worsened, and Mr Goodhead visited a consultant. A physical examination and further tests revealed that he had a tumour in his bowel, 20 tumours in his liver and lymph nodes, and that the cancer had spread to his pelvis.
The father of four received treatment at home for 19 months, before he died in January 2009.
What was the outcome?
Despite Dr Islam denying any responsibility for Mr Goodhead’s death, Judge Dame Patterson ruled that earlier treatment would have prolonged the 41-year-old’s life.
His widow, Mrs Cutting, who is now re-married, has been awarded £50,000 with costs yet to be agreed. She has since joined forces with the charity Beating Bowel Cancer to raise awareness about the importance of an early diagnosis.
She said:
sometimes you are made to feel like a hypochondriac but
actually you might just be saving your life.
“If you are not happy with your GP’s diagnosis, see another one and keep pushing.
Early diagnosis is absolutely critical with bowel cancer.
Your chances are much higher.”
If you, or a loved one, have been affected by medical negligence, and you would like expert advice, contact the Hampson Hughes Solicitors Medical Negligence Team today on 0151 242 1025 or email
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