Perth father with terminal cancer left waiting eight months for a diagnosis

A 47-year-old Perth crane operator and father, Michael Lannigan, is speaking up to warn others after he was forced to wait eight gruelling months between his GP referral and a colonoscopy at Rockingham General Hospital, eventually being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Despite experiencing concerning symptoms in June 2024, it took until March 2025 before Michael finally received a colonoscopy. Following this, he was diagnosed with terminal mucosal melanoma which has since spread to his brain and lungs.

Slater and Gordon Practice Leader in Medical Law, Sarah Marshman, said that Michael’s experience has not only left him with significant pain, but it has also resulted in a significantly reduced life expectancy.

“Mr Lannigan and his family didn’t suffer in silence during those agonising eight months between referral and diagnosis. The family repeatedly contacted Rockingham Hospital to follow up on his referral status, citing his worsening symptoms.

“Instead of getting answers, they were repeatedly told his referral status was Category 3. In other words, it wasn’t considered urgent.”

“Despite his rapidly deteriorating health, staff told the family there was no need for Michael to attend the Rockingham Emergency Department for assessment,” Ms Marshman said.

As Michael’s pain intensified in late 2024, he saw his GP on multiple occasions, where his doctor sent yet another referral to Rockingham Hospital urging that his condition be treated as high risk and that he needed to be assessed as soon as possible.

Despite this, alongside Michael’s family history of cancer, it’s alleged that Rockingham Hospital’s systems failed to adequately recognise the urgency of the two referrals.

“We allege that a competent hospital system with clear categorisation criteria would have recognised the gravity of Michael’s status, especially with his family history of cancer, and placed him in a more urgent risk category.”

“Now that the cancer has metastasised to his brain and lungs, the eight-month delay in diagnosis has significantly reduced available treatment options.”

“If Mr Lannigan’s referral was listed as a category one – the most urgent classification – he would have received his urgent colonoscopy within 30 days. As a result, Michael has undergone more invasive and aggressive treatment than may otherwise have been necessary,” Ms Marshman said.

The impact of the ordeal has caused Michael severe psychological and emotional trauma, leaving him with anxiety, depression, and insomnia. His cancer diagnosis has also prevented him from continuing work as a crane operator and has significantly limited his daily activities and family life.

“I've lost everything. Work stopped, I’m mentally disconnected, and my world imploded,” Michael said.

Michael hopes his experience will encourage others in similar situations to trust their instincts and keep seeking help, even when they are told their symptoms are not urgent.

“Take it further if you feel that you aren't being taken seriously, or just overlooked, and make sure you get heard.”

“No matter how small or insignificant you may think your symptoms are, push to get it looked at sooner rather than later as you know when something doesn't feel right with your body, so make sure someone listens,” Michael said.

Ms Marshman said Michael’s experience highlights the importance of people feeling empowered to advocate for their own health.

“When something doesn’t feel right, it’s important those concerns are properly heard and investigated.

“People should feel comfortable to ask lots of questions of their healthcare provider, or seek a second opinion. It’s also important to keep records and documentation, and to seek legal advice if you believe your standard of care may have fallen short,” Ms Marshman said.