Understanding Cancer Misdiagnosis: Causes, Consequences, and Legal Rights
Prompt treatment of cancer can vastly improve outcomes for patients. The earlier that the disease is spotted, the earlier treatment can begin. This is why regular screening makes such a big difference – and it’s also why misdiagnosis, where it occurs, can be so damaging.
Common Causes of Cancer Misdiagnosis
So, why do misdiagnoses occur? Put simply, it’s because human beings are fallible. A test might have been administered incorrectly, or the results of a taste might not have been interpreted in the right way. Patients might be referred too slowly, which might legally qualify as a misdiagnosis – because the institution failed to provide treatment that would have been provided by a competent institution.
Certain kinds of cancer, like bowel cancer, tend to be more difficult to spot than others. This can lead to later intervention. The worst offender, according to Cancer Research UK, is Oropharynx (throat) cancer, where a majority of cases are diagnosed at stage IV. In the case of testicular cancer, most cases are identified at stage I.
In cases involving bowel cancer negligence, where diagnostic errors have delayed treatment, patients may be entitled to claim compensation.
The Consequences of a Misdiagnosis: Health and Emotional Impacts
Misdiagnosis can be profoundly damaging for the patients involved. When real cases of cancer go unnoticed, it can cause a delay in treatment being received. This can give the cancer more time to develop and spread. In other cases, a different disease might be mistakenly labelled as cancer – in which case the patient might be exposed to avoidable distress and prevented from obtaining a treatment that might be effective against the disease they really do have.
Treating a disease that has progressed can be more difficult. The emotional distress inflicted on patients can be exacerbated by a misdiagnosis, too.
Legal Rights and Medical Negligence in Cancer Misdiagnosis Cases
Under UK law, patients are entitled to a certain standard of care. In practice, this means the standard of care that might be provided by a competent member of the profession. To demonstrate that medical negligence occurred, a claimant will need to show that the cancer would have been successfully identified by a competent professional. This is where the testimony of expert witnesses can be invaluable.
Steps to Take If You Suspect a Cancer Misdiagnosis
If you suspect that a cancer has been misdiagnosed, then you might first seek a second opinion. This might allow you to seek the right treatment earlier on, where necessary. You should also collect as much evidence as possible related to your case, and take it to a solicitor specialising in medical negligence. They will be able to pursue compensation on your behalf.
