Wakefield dad died of prostate cancer following nine-year delay in diagnosis

A dad and husband died of prostate cancer following a nine-year delay in diagnosis after doctors failed to act on warning signs of the disease.

Terry Adams, from South Kirkby, near Pontefract, complained to GPs in 2012 that he was suffering with urinary problems as well as pain in his lower back and legs. Tests showed a raised PSA level – a blood test used to help identify prostate cancer.

The husband of 50 years, dad-of-four, granddad-of-11 and great-granddad-of-five also had a known family history of the disease, with his dad and grandad receiving treatment for prostate cancer.

Urgent biopsy not arranged despite consultant advising one was needed

Terry was referred to a hospital specialist. Several months later, a consultant urologist wrote to his GP surgery advising that Terry needed an urgent prostate biopsy to check for cancer. 

However, during a follow-up GP appointment, no further action was taken. Terry was not made aware of the letter and the biopsy was never arranged for him, his family told their legal team at Irwin Mitchell.

Instead, Terry was not diagnosed with the disease until nine years later despite him attending medical appointments complaining of ongoing symptoms in that time.

By that stage it had spread to his spine and bones. The security guard was forced to retire, lived in pain and was reliant on a wheelchair. He died aged 68 in September 2024.

Medical negligence lawyers asked to investigate Terry's care

Before his death, Terry instructed expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his care and secure answers. Following his death his loved ones, including wife of 50 years, Diane, now aged 67, took on his quest for answers.

His loved ones have now revealed the impact care failings had on their family.

GPs admit breach of duty 

It comes after two GPs, who Terry had appointments with, admitted a breach of duty. It was admitted that Terry’s prostate cancer should have been diagnosed in 2012 – or shortly after - while it was still ‘localised’. If prostate cancer had been diagnosed, Terry could have undergone treatment to cure his cancer before it spread and became incurable.

Rebecca Tramaseur is an expert medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, representing Terry’s family.

“Terry and his family had to go through an incredibly difficult and distressing experience, trying to come to terms not only with his diagnosis but the severity of his illness and the impact it had.

 

“What’s particularly concerning about Terry’s case is that he had key signs of the disease – including changes to urinary habits and a family history of the disease – but these weren’t acted upon and with devastating consequences. 

“Sadly, prostate cancer remains one of the most common cancers in men with more than 12,000 people a year dying from the disease.  

 

“While it’s too late for Terry his loved ones want to share his story to improve patient safety and act as a warning of the importance of early detection and treatment.

 

“However, despite the failings in Terry’s care, it’s important men concerned they may have prostate cancer seek medical advice.”

Prostate cancer: Terry Adams' story

Terry attended his GP surgery in March 2012 with complaining of symptoms including difficulty passing urine but needing to urinate more frequently.

A PSA test that July showed a raised result. Terry was referred to hospital, and in October 2012 a consultant urologist wrote to the GP surgery advising that Terry needed an urgent prostate biopsy.

Despite this, no biopsy was arranged and Terry was not told that cancer was suspected. Over the following years, his prostate was not properly investigated, and his PSA level was not re-checked.

In September 2021, Terry saw a different GP. He underwent further tests after experiencing increasing pain. He was formally diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in December 2021.

Terry's wife reveals impact of cancer

At the time of his diagnosis, Terry was still working and had planned to continue working as long as he could but had to stop working two weeks after his diagnosis.

He became reliant on Diane, and the couple’s children Mark, 51; daughter, Amanda, 50; son, David, 45; and son, Carl, 38; as well as other family members.

Diane said: “Prostate cancer took so much from Terry. He went from working, providing for his family and enjoying time with us all to being in constant pain and relying on others for almost everything. It completely changed our lives.

 

“When he started experiencing issues Terry thought he was doing the right thing by seeking medical advice. However, at no stage was he led to believe there was anything serious and he may have cancer.  

 

“At his first oncology appointment Terry was asked why he didn't attend for a biopsy as at that time the cancer would have been localised and would’ve been cured. However, Terry didn’t have any knowledge of this information and when he obtained his medical records from his GP surgery, there was no mention that a biopsy was needed.

 

“What hurts the most is knowing this didn’t need to be how things turned out.

 

“Terry became a shadow of his former self. He was no longer able to be the hands-on family man he was and unable to help with basic household jobs such as gardening or DIY. This made him feel useless and added to his anxiety.

 

“Due to his increased symptoms Terry was admitted to the Prince of Wales Hospice in Pontefract in February 2024 and sadly due to a decline in his condition stayed there until 5 August that year where he returned home before sadly passing away on 2 September 2024.

 

“He was looked after by some amazing people who became friends more than just carers. However, Terry wanted to be at home and returned home. He took to his bed and never left it. Terry survived for four weeks, but I say that loosely, as he suffered immensely.

 

“It was unbearable for us to see his suffering and not be able to do anything. His last four days before he finally found peace were horrific and something I'll never ever be able to forget, especially knowing it could and should have been avoided.

 

“Terry was my best friend and soul mate. Sadly, Terry never got closure, but we’ve at least been able to honour his memory by establishing the answers he deserved.

What are the signs of prostate cancer?

Possible signs of prostate cancer include:

•    Difficulty starting to urinate
•    A weak or interrupted urine flow 
•    Needing to urinate more often, especially at night
•    A sudden or urgent need to urinate
•    Blood in urine or semen 
•    Ongoing pain in the back, hips or pelvis.