Despite showing early signs of cancer, many were told there was nothing to fear and were sent home armed with advice to only take painkillers or antibiotics.

The study, published by the Rarer Cancers Foundation, concluded that a quarter of patients were only diagnosed once the disease had spread to other organs, by which time it was often terminal. Many patients told researchers how their symptoms were misinterpreted by GPs and were dismissed as minor.

Experts blamed late diagnosis for what was described as high death rates and say many tumours were spotted too late for treatment. Figures show that Britain has one of the lowest cancer survival rates in Europe despite billions of pounds in treatment investment.

The Office for National Statistics recently found that the cancer death rate among British women was higher than in countries such as France, Italy and Portugal

Britain has national screening programmes for only three types of cancer: cervical, bowel and breast cancer. Tests are not yet accurate enough for other forms of the disease.

The report adds weight to previous studies that found almost a quarter of all cancers in England were detected when patients go to hospital in an emergency.

The National Cancer Intelligence Network said 23 per cent of all cancer cases went undetected until the emergency admission stage. Pensioners and the poor were most at risk of being diagnosed late.

Andrew Wilson, the foundation’s chief executive, said correct diagnosis was vital to save lives.

“If patients are going to have the best chance of beating cancer then they need to be diagnosed as early as possible,” he said.

“Too many opportunities to diagnose cancer are being missed, leaving patients feeling let down by their GP and the NHS.”

Eric Low, chief executive of Myeloma UK, the charity, added: “They are very difficult to diagnose.

“We shouldn’t have a bash at GPs – we need to provide them with the resources and background information to enable them to make these diagnoses.”

Andrew Lansley, the Health Secretary, said: “We know that earlier diagnosis is critical to achieving better survival rates so we’re taking action in this area where the previous government failed.”

Britain has national screening programmes for only three types of cancer: cervical, bowel and breast cancer. Tests are not yet accurate enough for other forms of the disease.

The report adds weight to previous studies that found almost a quarter of all cancers in England were detected when patients go to hospital in an emergency.

The National Cancer Intelligence Network said 23 per cent of all cancer cases went undetected until the emergency admission stage. Pensioners and the poor were most at risk of being diagnosed late.

Andrew Wilson, the foundation’s chief executive, said correct diagnosis was vital to save lives.

“If patients are going to have the best chance of beating cancer then they need to be diagnosed as early as possible,” he said.

“Too many opportunities to diagnose cancer are being missed, leaving patients feeling let down by their GP and the NHS.”

Eric Low, chief executive of Myeloma UK, the charity, added: “They are very difficult to diagnose.

“We shouldn’t have a bash at GPs – we need to provide them with the resources and background information to enable them to make these diagnoses.”

Andrew Lansley, the Health Secretary, said: “We know that earlier diagnosis is critical to achieving better survival rates so we’re taking action in this area where the previous government failed.”