Cancer Misdiagnosis Claims
Reports this year have suggested that the NHS is struggling to cope with increasing demands of cancer diagnosis. We look at some recent statistics and new initiatives to combat this trend.
Cancer in the UK - an overview
According to a new report by Macmillan Cancer Support earlier this year, the number of people being diagnosed with cancer in the UK is rising every year.
Currently, it is thought that approximately 2,500,000 people in the UK are living with cancer and an extra 357,000 people are diagnosed with the disease every year. Roughly 450 people die from cancer in the UK every day.
Unfortunately, a recent report commissioned by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry has found that the UK has a worse survival rate than many other European countries for 90% of cancers, with the second worse survival rate for lung cancer and pancreatic cancer. Along with bowel cancer and breast cancer, these are the two main causes of death due to cancer in the UK.
It has been suggested that mortality rates from some cancers are higher in the UK than in some other European countries due to delays in diagnosis.
Delayed Diagnosis
Although many cancers are slow-growing, an early and accurate diagnosis of cancer is vital. Cancers which remain in one area are more likely to be treated successfully than those which have had time to spread to other areas of the body.
The current government commitment regarding cancer diagnosis demands that there be 'a maximum two-week wait to see a specialist for all patients referred with suspected cancer symptoms'.
A report by The Daily Mail earlier this year, however, claimed that the numbers of people whose cancer diagnosis is delayed is increasing, with over 100,000 people last year having to wait more than the recommended 2 weeks to see a specialist and almost 10,000 waiting more than four weeks.
In combination with a general rise in the numbers of people developing cancer, this situation seems to be heading towards another NHS crisis.
Effects of Delayed Diagnosis
The most obvious and tragic effect of a delay in the diagnosis of cancer is the (possibly unnecessary) death of the patient. This can have a dramatic impact on the family of the victim, not only in emotional terms but in financial loss if the deceased is a significant breadwinner.
Where the patient survives, a delayed diagnosis can still have a traumatic effect. This may be the loss of a breast or the bladder or the bowel due to the spread of the disease making any alternative treatment unfeasible.
The patient may also require harsher, longer treatment when diagnosis has been delayed, frequently leading to more side-effects and psychological stress.
Causes of a delayed diagnosis
The speed of diagnosis of cancer can be affected by a number of different factors, many of which are likely to be influenced by increasing numbers of patients and shortage of NHS staff.
Key reasons for a delay in diagnosing cancer promptly might include the following:
- Failure by the GP to recognise important signs
- Misdiagnosis of key signs
- Failure to make appropriate referral
- Delay in access to appropriate tests
- Delay in receiving test results
- Increasing numbers of referrals leading to longer waiting times
NICE Guidelines on Cancer Diagnosis
In 2015, the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) responded to the high rates of cancer mortality by revising its guidelines. This attempted to encourage GPs to consider the possibility of cancer earlier and to refer patients suspected of having cancer to specialists more speedily.
The revised guidelines include the following:
- Signs and symptoms associated with most common forms of cancer
- Appropriate tests to be performed and where
- Appropriate waiting time for referral
- Recommended review times
- Types of information and support to offer to patients
Unfortunately, misdiagnoses still occur and GPs continue to fail to recognise the signs that a patient might be developing cancer.
Medical Negligence Claims
If a delayed diagnosis has led to a significantly poorer outcome, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
As well as the physical and psychological effects of delayed diagnosis and treatment of cancer, the knock-on effects may well impact on the patient's ability to work and lead an independent life.
If you or a loved one have suffered due to a delay in diagnosing cancer, contact Glynns Solicitors, a specialist medical negligence legal practice.
We will be happy to offer you advice as to the best way forward.
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