Official figures showed that the British National Health Service paid a record £40.3 million in compensation last year for failing to detect cancer in patients.
The health service was sued by 314 people – who won an average of £130,000 each as the NHS admitted negligence in diagnosing them.
Clinics open themselves to legal action if patients suffer serious consequences due to delays or incorrect interpretation of test results.
NHS Resolution data shows that in the four years after the Covid crisis, there were 1,125 payments worth £135 million, compared to 580 worth £55 million in the previous four years.
Hospitals are crowded with waiting lists at record levels.
Cancer can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms are often vague, such as stomach pain or fatigue.
Last year, the NHS paid £355 million for 1,785 lawsuits after failing to diagnose illnesses of all kinds.
Guy Forster, of the Association of Personal Injury Solicitors, said: “Some patients will need more extensive treatment than is necessary, while others face a much worse prognosis.
“The reality is that these failures of care are avoidable, and the increasing numbers of cases indicate that lessons are not being learned.
“When negligence is proven, it is right for patients to be compensated.”
An NHS spokesperson said: “We know the NHS needs to do more to ensure more people get a rapid diagnosis.
“People who experience any worrying signs or symptoms should be tested at the earliest opportunity.”
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