Delay in Diagnosis of Cancer
Cancer is a disease caused by cells in a specific area of the body growing and reproducing uncontrollably. The cancerous cells can destroy surrounding healthy tissue, including organs, and can sometimes spread to other parts of the body.
According to the NHS, 1 in 2 people will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime. Diagnosing cancer at its earliest stage increases a person’s chances of survival.
In this article, our specialist Medical Negligence Solicitors explain what you can do if your healthcare provider failed to diagnose and/or treat your cancer sooner.
Delay in Diagnosis of Cancer
A delay in diagnosis of cancer could mean you need different or more invasive treatment than it should have been. Research published by the BMJ suggests a person’s risk of death increases by around 10% each month cancer treatment is delayed. Therefore, it is crucial a person receives appropriate cancer diagnosis and treatment to improve survival rates.
There has been a significant rise in delayed cancer treatment caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. During the peak of the pandemic many cancer services were impacted by the lockdown. For example, screening programmes for many cancers were put on hold. Although these services have now restarted, it may be some time before we see the long-term repercussions. It is feared many patients’ conditions have deteriorated due to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
If you or a loved one have suffered due to a delay in diagnosis of cancer you could be entitled to make a claim for compensation. Call us on 033 3344 9600 to speak to a member of our specialist medical negligence team.
Claim for Delayed Cancer Diagnosis
Morrish Solicitors is a long-established Law Firm in West Yorkshire providing a range of legal services and support to clients within the region and nationally. We have an experienced team of medical negligence solicitors particularly skilled in handling cancer negligence claims.
Each case will turn on its own facts depending on the period of delay, the prospects of effective treatment and the difference the delay has made to the outcome. The claim must be brought within 3 years of the date from which you first knew or were aware of the alleged negligence.
If you have suffered a delayed cancer diagnosis or misdiagnosis of cancer, please contact our medical negligence solicitors on 033 3344 9600 or simply email [email protected] with details of your potential claim.
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