NHS waiting lists are rarely out of the headlines; and one of the biggest fears for many patients awaiting a referral is having cancer diagnosed too late to have effective life-saving treatment.
The latest official figures reveal the scale of the problem of delayed cancer diagnoses, with a record number of compensation payouts by the NHS in the year to 2025.
Where a cancer diagnosis has been delayed or missed, the individual’s treatment options may be severely diminished. Their condition could even be terminal, particularly in the case of the more deadly cancers, such as oesophageal, pancreatic and liver cancers.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a delayed diagnosis and are seeking medical negligence compensation, contact the specialist personal injury team at mfg Solicitors as early as you can.
Whatever the illness, early diagnosis always offers patients the best hope. Unfortunately, the impact of a delayed or missed cancer diagnosis can be particularly significant, and this is reflected in the latest, sobering NHS figures:
In 2024, the NHS paid a record £45m in compensation for delayed cancer diagnoses – 4 times the amount paid since the pandemic.
In the year 2024-2025, there were a record 364 payouts for delayed/missed cancer diagnosis.
Every day, around 950 people are diagnosed with cancer in England, but there is the equivalent of one delayed/missed cancer diagnosis every day.
While the 75% target for The Faster Diagnosis Standard was just about met (76.1%) in England in October 2025, it means 25% of those referred are more at risk of not having a cancer diagnosis earlier enough. (The FDS requires that cancer is diagnosed or ruled out within 28 days of an urgent referral).
NHS Resolution recently analysed 105 cases of delayed cancer diagnosis in England over a 7-year period to March 2023. All were victims of an avoidable delay, having been to their GP practice at least three times before being referred; and subsequently diagnosed.
Is a delayed diagnosis medical negligence?
It could be, but not necessarily. To prove that a delayed (or missed) cancer diagnosis constitutes medical negligence, you must prove on balance that doctors breached their duty of care towards you; and that your condition has been exacerbated as a direct result of the breach.
Anyone who has suffered because of a delayed or missed cancer diagnosis deserves to claim personal injury compensation. We know it won’t turn back the clock, but it can go a long way to help you and your family navigate what could be a difficult period ahead.
We can also support you if you have lost a loved to cancer following a delayed or missed diagnosis.
How we can help
In the event you or a family members has suffered following a delayed or missed diagnosis, please contact us whereupon we will provide you with expert advice in relation to your claim under a no win no fee.
Please contact David Lydon at david.lydon@mfgsolicitors.com, or on telephone number 0121 236 7388.