Cervical Cancer Claim - 12 Month Delay

CERVICAL CANCER; 12 MONTH DELAY IN DIAGNOSIS;

£750,000 FOR UNNECESSARY CHEMO AND RADIOTHERAPY

X V Y HEALTH AUTHORITY (1999)

Aged 32 X presented with vaginal bleeding. On ultrasound an ovarian mass was identified however considered an incidental finding.

Aged 33 X underwent removal of the ovarian mass and was told that she was to undergo a dilatation and curettage procedure of her uterus to further investigate the cause of her vaginal bleeding.

Aged 34 X was diagnosed with cervical cancer. She was treated with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hysterectomy and removal of ovaries.

X was unable to return to work as a consequence of the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

BREACH OF DUTY

The Defendants accepted that the dilatation and curettage was not performed.

CAUSATION

It was X's case that had the dilatation and curettage procedure been performed her cervical cancer would have been diagnosed a year earlier. A year earlier the cancer would have been treated by hysterectomy. The chemo and radiotherapy would have been avoided and she would have been able to resume her career.

OUTCOME

The case was settled for £750,000 without trial. The majority of the compensation being loss of earnings.