‘I would rather be poor’: man says money cannot compensate for partner’s death after failed cancer diagnosis
Summary
A man named Darren Rosheski lost his partner, Helen Dutton, to bowel cancer after doctors failed to diagnose her in time. This case is part of a larger problem, as the NHS in England has paid out nearly £190 million in the last five years for cancer misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis claims.Key Facts
- Helen Dutton showed cancer symptoms in 2016, but her GP diagnosed her with less serious conditions and did not order tests.
- Two years later, a different GP referred her for tests that confirmed advanced stage 4 bowel cancer.
- Helen received chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery, but the cancer returned and she died in 2021, aged 40.
- Darren Rosheski sued the NHS and reached a financial settlement, but the NHS did not admit fault.
- Since Helen’s death, her family has suffered mental health issues, including PTSD and grief.
- The NHS in England paid out about £190 million from 870 claims related to late or wrong cancer diagnoses over five years.
- Legal and compensation costs for these claims have increased from £32 million in 2020/21 to £41.3 million in 2024/25.
- Medical negligence lawyers warn that many patients face delays in urgent cancer testing within the NHS.
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