A grandfather passed away after his symptoms were mistakenly attributed to haemorrhoids, leaving his family to witness his decline. James Beasley initially sought medical help in March 2020 for rectal bleeding but received no thorough examination. He revisited the GP in December with complaints of constipation, abdominal pain, and continued bleeding, yet no cancer diagnosis was made.
It wasn’t until August 2021, when James sought help at a hospital, that his concerns were taken seriously. Following tests, he was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer in October, shocking his daughter. James, a former caretaker from Rotherham, succumbed to the illness at the age of 68 in February 2023, leaving behind his wife, two daughters, and grandchildren.
His daughter, Jane Beasley, expressed their devastation upon learning about the misdiagnosis. Despite James’ deteriorating health, he remained more concerned about his family than himself. His family observed his rapid decline within the last year, feeling helpless as they watched him suffer.
Subsequent investigations revealed missed opportunities in James’ care, leading to a delayed cancer diagnosis. Legal actions were taken against the GPs involved, resulting in an out-of-court settlement. The GPs acknowledged shortcomings in their handling of James’ case and extended apologies for the unfortunate outcome.
Emily Mansfield, the family’s legal representative, highlighted the family’s struggle with grief and the importance of raising awareness about bowel cancer symptoms for early detection and treatment. By sharing James’ story, they aim to educate others about the critical role of timely diagnosis in combating the disease.