Pathology Delays in Cancer Diagnosis
A new survey by The Royal College of Pathologists has found that increasing demand for pathology services is out-stripping staffing levels and may cause delays in cancer diagnosis according to a new report by the BBC.
Significance of pathology reports
When a patient visits their GP with the possible symptoms of cancer, it is likely that their assessment tests, such as tissue samples, will be analysed by specialist histopathologists in order to identify any signs of disease.
Without these test results, it will be difficult to confirm a diagnosis.
Pressure on services
The new survey allegedly identified that only 3% of the pathology departments in the NHS that responded to the question, stated that they had sufficient staff to meet demand.
Demand for pathology services is expected to increase due to a growing population and, without significant improvement in recruitment, services are likely to come under more pressure as the current pathologists retire, according to the BBC.
Government guidelines set targets for cancer diagnosis but if there are insufficient staff available to undertake the necessary analysis, these targets will inevitably be missed with resulting impact on the patient's treatment and, possibly, their long-term outcome.
Government guidelines
Current government cancer targets include the following:
- A maximum 14-day wait to see a specialist for all patients referred with suspected cancer symptoms
- A maximum 31-day wait from the date a decision to treat is made to the first definitive treatment.
It is likely that delays in diagnosis of cancer and, therefore delays in the commencement of treatment, will impact on the long-term effect on the patient and their chances of survival. This will vary according to the nature and location of the cancer as well as the particular characteristics and health of the patient but a delay is never likely to be good news.
Apart from any impact of delayed treatment on the outcome of that treatment, a delayed diagnosis means an extended period of anxiety and distress for the patient and their family.
Medical negligence
If an avoidable delay in diagnosing a patient's cancer causes a dramatically poorer outcome for the patient, the relevant medical professionals may be considered to have acted negligently.
If you or a loved one are suffering with the significant, long-term impact of a delay in diagnosing cancer, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Contact us to discuss your situation with a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
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