Articles | GPs failed to spot teen's cancer

GPs failed to spot teen's cancer

Published: Monday, 16 March 2009, 1:49PM

A teenager died from cancer after his symptoms were wrongly put down to anxiety, an inquest has heard.

Christopher Chaffey, 19, from Hull, died in September 20 after developing a tumour in his chest that weighed nearly 5lb (2kg).

The growth was not spotted despite him contacting his GP's surgery numerous times and once being rushed to hospital with chest pains.

Mr Chaffey's parents, Patricia and Paul, say they now intend to take civil action following the inquest at Hull Coroner's Court.

The court heard how Mr Chaffey had blood tests in July 2007 which showed abnormalities and further tests in May 2008, which revealed his haemoglobin levels had fallen.

The symptom was put down to anaemia and other complaints, including fainting, a persistent cough and a blue chest with veins that looked "like a road map", were put down to anxiety by a GP.

Professor Barry Hancock, an independent medical expert, told the court anaemia was "unusual in a young lad" and he would have expected further tests to be carried out, which might have helped spot the cancer.

The inquest also heard that Mr Chaffey was rushed to hospital in July 2008 with chest pains, difficulty breathing, a headache and vomiting but his symptoms were again said to be anxiety-related and Mr Chaffey was referred for psychological support.

Prof Hancock said he would have expected a chest X-ray to be carried out at the hospital, which also may have helped diagnose the cancer.

The tumour in Mr Chaffey's chest, and others in his neck and skull, were eventually found just days before his death.

Recording a narrative verdict, coroner Geoffrey Saul said: "Earlier detection would have led to treatment which probably would have improved his chances of survival."