Negligent Bowel Cancer Treatment Delays
April 2021 is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of death by cancer in the UK. It is treatable but a delay in diagnosis and treatment can allow the condition to develop and to spread, threatening the life of the patient.
Failing to recognise the symptoms
If a patient attends their medical professional with symptoms which might be indicative of bowel cancer, they should receive a referral to see a specialist and for further tests.
A failure to consider that the patient's symptoms might be caused by bowel cancer may be regarded as negligent and may have a catastrophic impact on the life of the patient.
Symptoms which might suggest that a patient is developing bowel cancer could include the following:
- A change in bowel habits
- Unexplained weight loss
- Bleeding from the anus
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
Failing to meet government guidelines
Such is the severity of a cancer diagnosis and such is the urgency of treatment that the government has introduced guidelines relating to the timing of referrals and the commencement of treatment.
If a patient has symptoms which might indicate a cancer diagnosis, they should be seen by a specialist within two weeks
If the patient receives a diagnosis of cancer, treatment should begin within two months of a referral to a hospital for treatment.
A failure of safety-netting
A patient who has worrying symptoms but not sufficient to prompt a referral or diagnosis should be given guidance which should avoid that patient 'slipping through the net'. It may be that a further appointment is necessary with the GP in order to check that symptoms have not deteriorated. It may be in the form of advice as to the red flag symptoms which should prompt the patient either to return to their GP or to attend hospital.
A failure by medical professionals to provide adequate safety-netting, meaning that the patient's condition worsens, may be regarded as negligent.
Claiming compensation for medical negligence
If you believe that either you or a loved have been the victim of a significant failing in medical care, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
A medical negligence compensation claim can provide recompense for financial loses such as income, but it is a complex process and requires the services of a specialist lawyer.
Contact Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence compensation, to talk to an experienced solicitor about your situation.
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