Delayed Bowel Cancer Diagnosis Compensation
A delay in the diagnosis and treatment of bowel cancer can cause the patient a variety of both physical and psychological long-term problems and may be regarded as negligent on the part of the relevant medical professional.
Delayed treatment of bowel cancer
A significant delay in the diagnosis of bowel cancer may result in a number of distressing outcomes:
- The patient may require more extensive treatment and surgery
- The patient may require a colostomy on either a temporary or permanent basis
- The cancer may spread to other parts of the body
- There may be an increased chance that the patient will die as a result of their cancer
- The patient and their loved ones are likely to suffer increased psychological trauma and financial hardship as a result of the delay in treating the patient
The knock-on effects of these outcomes can have a significant impact not only on the patient themselves but on their family. The loss of a loved one may deprive the family of their financial stability. Where the patient survives, their income may be reduced or there may be a need for additional care at considerable cost.
The psychological impact can affect an entire family, too.
Diagnosis delays
A delay in diagnosis of bowel cancer may occur because the significance of the patient's symptoms are not recognised or because they are attributed to another condition from which the patient is known to suffer. In either scenario, the patient may not receive the correct referral for specialist assessment.
Government guidelines require that a patient with suspected cancer should see a specialist within 14 days. However, if the medical professional does not suspect cancer as a possible explanation of the patient's symptoms, there may be no referral at all.
Medical negligence
If a medical professional fails to take the appropriate action when faced with the patient's possible symptoms of bowel cancer, they may be regarded as having provided only substandard care.
If the patient has attended their GP or other medical professional with symptoms which might be suggestive of bowel cancer, but have not received the correct referral, they may suffer significant problems as a result.
If this turns out to be the case, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are struggling with the severe long-term impact of a delay in diagnosing and treating bowel cancer, contact Glynns Solicitors to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
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