Cancer patient: Doctors missed disease despite over 20 visits

A cancer patient has revealed that she visited her doctor more than 20 times before being diagnosed.

Paula Hall from Cleckheaton is now undergoing treatment for lymphoma.

She said that her GP thought she had the menopause or irritable bowel syndrome, and only finally referred her for hospital tests when she became very ill.

It comes as scientists in Yorkshire have found that delays in diagnosing blood cancer could be avoided if doctors had better guidance on the range of symptoms.

Paula said:

Lymphoma is the fifth most common cancer in the UK. It occurs when white blood cells that help to fight infection go out of control.

The abnormal cells collect in glands known as lymph nodes, often in armpits, neck or groin.

There are more than 60 different types of lymphoma and the symptoms depend on where in your body the cancer is. Common signs are swollen glands, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, itching and night sweats.

Results of a study by York University and Hull's Castle Hill Hospital found that Lymphoma has the lowest early detection rate in the UK.

But they say that doctors are reluctant to refer patients for tests unless they show the main symptoms. But instead they should consider Lymphoma for any drastic changes in health.

The study was funded by the charities Bloodwise and Cancer Research UK.

Professor Russell Patmore, one of the study's authors, said: