Delayed Diagnosis of Gynaecological Cancers: Why Delays Happen and Why Legal Advice Matters At Browell Smith & Co, our clinical negligence team regularly supports women and families affected by the delayed diagnosis of gynaecological cancers. These cases are sadly becoming more common, with national data showing significant delays across the NHS in diagnosing and treating cancers such as ovarian, cervical and endometrial cancer. A delay in diagnosis can have life‑changing consequences. This guide explains what the latest research tells us, why delays occur, and what steps you can take if you believe your diagnosis was missed or delayed. The Scale of the Problem in the UK Recent reports show widespread delays: Only 73.8% of patients receive a diagnosis or exclusion within 28 days of referral, meaning over a quarter face delays. Over one in three cancer diagnoses now face critical delays, contributing to a 13% higher mortality risk. Over 763,000 women are currently waiting for gynaecological care, with emergency cases rising sharply. Most delayed cancer claims show diagnosis at stage 3–4, often due to missed opportunities in early assessment. Why Gynaecological Cancers Are Often Diagnosed Late Delays occur at multiple stages: 1. Patient‑Related Delays Symptoms such as bloating or abnormal bleeding are often mistaken for benign conditions. Women may delay seeking help due to embarrassment, caring responsibilities or difficulty accessing GP appointments. 2. Primary Care Delays Symptoms misunderstood or reassured instead of investigated. Incorrect referral coding (e.g., urgent rather than suspected cancer) resulting in months of preventable delay. Limited access to investigations such as ultrasound or CA‑125 testing. 3. Hospital/System Delays Shortages of radiologists and oncologists leading to slower imaging and review. Backlogs due to rising demand and insufficient capacity. 4. Delays After Diagnosis Evidence shows delays of over 8 weeks for endometrial cancer surgery increase recurrence rates and the need for more aggressive treatment. Delays in ovarian and endometrial cancer treatment are linked to worse survival rates. What Types of Delay May Amount to Negligence? We commonly investigate cases involving: Failure to recognise early symptoms. Failure to carry out necessary investigations. Incorrect referral pathways. Failure to follow up on abnormal test results. Delays in treatment once a diagnosis is confirmed. Why Early Legal Advice Matters Delayed diagnosis can lead to more invasive treatment, fertility loss, psychological trauma and reduced survival chances. Early legal advice helps determine whether an earlier diagnosis would have improved the outcome. How Browell Smith & Co Can Help As specialist claimant clinical negligence solicitors, we have extensive experience supporting women affected by delayed cancer diagnosis. We offer: Free initial advice The option to speak with our in‑house solicitor‑midwife A local, compassionate and expert service If you believe your diagnosis was delayed, contact us for confidential advice.
Delayed Breast Cancer Diagnosis: What the Durham NHS Review Means for You Understanding Clinical Negligence and How a Solicitor Can Help Breast cancer is one of the most treatable cancers when detected early. That’s why the recent Durham NHS breast cancer screening review has caused concern and distress among patients and families in the area. It has highlighted serious issues around failures in screening and diagnosis, which may have led to avoidable delays in treatment. If you’ve recently been contacted as part of this review, or have concerns that something was missed in your care, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. But you are not alone, and legal support is available. Why Early Detection Matters When breast cancer is caught early, treatment can be less aggressive and outcomes are generally better. A delay in diagnosis may mean: More invasive surgery Harsher chemotherapy or radiotherapy Reduced chance of full recovery Emotional distress and loss of trust in the healthcare system This is why screening programmes exist—and why failures in those programmes can have such serious consequences. What Went Wrong at the Durham NHS Trust? The ongoing review is investigating concerns that some women were not appropriately recalled for further assessment after their mammograms. In some cases, this may have resulted in missed or delayed diagnoses, potentially allowing cancer to progress when earlier treatment could have made a difference. Whether due to system errors, misread scans, or failures in communication, if this happened to you or a loved one, you may be entitled to bring a clinical negligence claim. Understanding Time Limits for Claims In England and Wales, the general time limit for bringing a clinical negligence claim is three years from the date of the negligence or from when you first became aware (or should have become aware) that something had gone wrong. This is especially important in the context of the Durham review. If you’ve only recently discovered that your breast cancer diagnosis may have been delayed—or that you should have been recalled for further testing but weren’t—your three-year time limit may have only just begun. That said, these cases are complex and can take time to investigate. It’s essential to seek legal advice as early as possible to protect your rights and give your legal team time to build the strongest case. How Our Solicitors Can Help We are a local firm, trusted by clients throughout Durham and the North East, but also nationally recognised as a leading specialist in clinical negligence law. We have successfully acted for many clients in delayed cancer diagnosis claims and understand how deeply personal and sensitive these cases are. When you contact us: Your initial consultation is free and confidential We will review your case with care and honesty We can pursue your case on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis, so there is no financial risk to you We will guide you step-by-step through the legal process, including gathering medical evidence, obtaining expert opinions, and negotiating for the compensation you deserve What Can You Claim For? If your diagnosis was delayed due to negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for: Pain and suffering Additional or more aggressive treatment Impact on life expectancy and quality of life Loss of earnings or future income Psychological trauma Care and support needs You Deserve Answers and Action Making a clinical negligence claim is about more than just compensation. It’s about getting answers, holding organisations to account, and helping to improve patient safety for others. If you have any concerns about the care you received, especially if you were part of the Durham NHS breast screening programme, please don’t wait. Our friendly, experienced team is here to listen and help you understand your options. Get in touch with our specialist clinical negligence team today. Your first step towards justice starts with a simple, no-obligation conversation
Group B Strep Awareness Week: What You Need to Know About GBS This week marks Group B Strep Awareness Week, a vital campaign running from 8th to 14th July 2025, dedicated to raising awareness about Group B Streptococcus (GBS), the most common cause of life-threatening infection in newborns in the UK. While GBS is often harmless in adults, it can have serious and sometimes devastating consequences for babies during and shortly after birth. Yet many parents-to-be have never even heard of it. In this blog, we’ll explain what GBS is, why awareness is so important, how it can affect pregnancy and newborns, and what steps can be taken for testing, prevention, and treatment. We’ll also outline the signs and symptoms of infection, what support is available, and the serious risks of delayed or missed diagnosis. Whether you’re expecting a baby, supporting someone who is, or just want to be more informed, understanding GBS could help save a life. Learn more or seek support at GBSS.org.uk What is Group B Strep (GBS)? Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a common bacterium that can be carried by both men and women. It’s usually harmless in adults, but it can cause serious illness in newborns. Approximately 20-25% of pregnant women carry GBS in their vagina or rectum. According to GBSS.org.uk: 2 babies a day develop GBS infection 1 baby a week dies from GBS infection 1 baby a week survives with long-term disability Why is GBS awareness important? GBS can be passed to a baby during labour and delivery, potentially leading to infections. Early-onset GBS disease (occurring in the first week of life) is the most common type of infection. Late-onset GBS disease (occurring after the first week of life) is less common but can still occur. After the first six days, the infection then becomes much less common and after the first 12 weeks, becomes very rare. Awareness helps pregnant women and healthcare providers take necessary precautions. Testing and Prevention of GBS: In the UK, pregnant women are not routinely tested for Group B Streptococcus (GBS). However you can order tests online. Testing is important because if a woman is known to be carrying GBS in pregnancy, she can be given antibiotics during labour, which significantly reduces the risk of passing it to her baby. You may be offered antibiotics during labour if: You’ve tested positive for GBS in your current pregnancy You’ve had a previous baby with a GBS infection Your waters break before 37 weeks and you’re known to carry GBS Even if you test negative, it’s important to stay alert for symptoms of infection in your baby. Symptoms of GBS infection in newborns: Seek urgent medical help if your baby shows any of the following signs: Fever Feeding problemsBreathing problems Irritability Inactivity or limpness High-pitched or whimpering cry Blank, staring, or trance-like expression Floppy or dislikes being handled Tense or bulging fontanelle (soft spot on head) Turning away from bright light Involuntary stiff body or jerking movements Pale or blotchy skin Delayed and misdiagnosis of Group B strep Due to the nature of how GBS presents itself, it can be easy to overlook. However, missing it can have extreme consequences. Untreated Group B Strep in you and your baby can lead to: Sepsis, Pneumonia, Meningitis, Premature rupture of membranes, Preterm labour, Stillbirth, Infection of the amniotic fluid (chorioamnionitis), Infection of the lining of the uterus (endometritis). Need advice or support? If you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy and concerned about GBS, speak to your midwife or doctor. They can offer personalised advice and help you decide whether private testing is right for you. Have you or your baby been affected by GBS? If you believe you or your child was affected by delayed or missed diagnosis of GBS, you may be entitled to support or legal advice. Call our compassionate team on 0800 107 3000 or email advice@browells.co.uk to arrange a free consultation to discuss your experience and understand your options.