A grandfather passed away due to bowel cancer after medical professionals failed to address his symptoms on two occasions, attributing them to hemorrhoids, commonly known as piles. James Beasley initially visited a GP in March 2020, reporting rectal bleeding without receiving an examination.
Returning to the GP nine months later in December, the former caretaker described experiencing constipation, abdominal pain, and increased bleeding. Although a blood test was conducted, cancer was not detected at that time. It wasn’t until August 2021, during a hospital visit, that he was diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer.
James, residing in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, succumbed to the disease at the age of 68 in February 2023, leaving behind his wife Christine, daughters Jane and Amanda, and grandchildren. Jane Beasley shared, “My father had been expressing concerns about his bowel health for some time, but trusted the doctors’ reassurances regarding hemorrhoids. The news of his terminal cancer was devastating for our family.”
After his initial GP visit in March 2020, James returned in December due to persistent pain and bleeding, resulting in a blood test that indicated low iron levels, a potential indicator of bowel cancer. However, the low iron levels were not addressed, and no follow-up appointment was scheduled. It was only after his hospital visit in August 2021, reporting ongoing bowel issues, diarrhea, and weight loss, that further testing was arranged.
Following referral for a colonoscopy through the urgent NHS two-week pathway, James received a terminal bowel cancer diagnosis in October 2021. He underwent palliative chemotherapy and had a stoma fitted in an attempt to combat the disease. Despite being given 12 months to live in January 2022, he passed away 13 months later.
In the aftermath of James’ death, his family engaged expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate the care he received and the potential for an earlier cancer diagnosis. The legal firm secured an undisclosed out-of-court settlement for the family, although the GPs denied liability.
Expressing regret for the outcome, the GPs offered their sincere condolences through their legal representatives. Emily Mansfield, the specialist medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing the family, acknowledged the family’s struggles and emphasized the importance of early detection and treatment in battling bowel cancer.
Jane expressed the family’s quest for answers and the hope that sharing James’ story would raise awareness about bowel cancer symptoms. Noting that nothing can change the past, she emphasized the importance of preventing others from enduring similar hardships through increased awareness.
Bowel cancer symptoms encompass rectal bleeding, blood in stool, alterations in bowel habits, unintentional weight loss, constant fatigue, and abdominal pain or lumps.