"Undiagnosed rectal cancer, now terminal and spread to liver"

This story has been posted by Healthwatch Tameside on behalf of a member of the public who asked not to have their name published. We spoke to the sister of the patient, who has now become her carer. They said…

A woman in her 40s went repeatedly, sometimes 3 times in a week, to see her GP. She was complaining of extreme weight loss and rectal bleeding. From September 2012 until January 2013, she was told it was 'all in her head' and was given a psychiatric appointment.

Eventually she was referred to Tameside Hospital for a blood transfusion. Not given colonoscopy for another 3 months in spite of copious rectal blood loss. Now has colostomy and is on chemotherapy to reduce the tumours but is terminally ill with secondary liver cancer. Was not diagnosed in time for treatment to be effective, so palliative care only is available.

Has complained to PALS but not aware of any outcome from this. She and her family are devastated by the illness and the appalling treatment she has suffered.