New research published in the British Journal of General Practice has identified a range of factors leading to delayed diagnosis of cancers in Accident & Emergency settings.
Of over 4,500 patients studied, 29% had not previously gone to their GP with their symptoms, instead presenting at A&E once symptoms had become acute, meaning that treatment may have been less effective than had they been diagnosed earlier.
These findings tended to apply to men and the elderly. One possible explanation is a reluctance to see a GP on the part of these groups or a denial of the reality of their symptoms. Another possible explanation could be that these groups are less likely to be aware of the signs of developing cancer and may therefore simply be unaware that they need to see their GP.
For the elderly in particular, accessing a GP may be problematic due to lack of transport or difficulties with booking an appointment.
However, rather worryingly, it was also found that over 1500 of the study group had not only been to see their GP but had been 3 or 4 times.
Is this because diagnosis of some cancers is not possible in the early stages or does this suggest that some GPs are not familiar with the red flag symptoms of cancer?
Cancer-related charities and research groups fight an on-going battle to highlight the need for recognition of cancer symptoms by the public and medical practitioners in order to facilitate early diagnosis and better outcomes.
Speak to a solicitor
If you believe you have been the victim of poor medical care, contact Glynns Solicitors to talk to a solicitor specialising in medical negligence compensation claims.
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