GPs failed to spot teen's cancer

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.

Source: ITN News