Women are more likely to suffer a delay in the diagnosis of a brain tumour, a charity warns.
A report by the Brain Tumour Charity shows that 30% of women did not receive an accurate diagnosis within 12 months of first presenting to a doctor with symptoms.
This is compared to 15% of men who had to wait more than a year to be told they had a brain tumour.
The report also found that women had to pay more visits to the doctor before receiving a diagnosis. In fact, 37% of women saw a doctor more than five times before a diagnosis, as did 23% of men.
For some the delays were severe, with 11% of women being given a diagnosis at least five years after initially reporting symptoms, compared to 6% of men.
In total, nearly one third of patients had to attend a doctor more than five times before being diagnosed, and for one quarter of patients a diagnosis took more than a year.
“A worrying disparity”
Sarah Lindell, chief executive of the Brain Tumour Charity, said: “Our report shows that, overall, people with brain tumour symptoms often struggle to secure a diagnosis and we will continue our drive to address that problem.”
“However, it appears that women tend to face a more difficult path than men when they seek help for brain tumour symptoms. It is a worrying disparity and one that deserves further investigation.”
“Even within the constraints facing the NHS, it should be possible for healthcare professionals and policymakers to build upon existing good practice and improve the services offered to those diagnosed with this devastating disease.”
Delays in cancer diagnosis
If you or your loved one has suffered because of a delayed cancer diagnosis, please get in touch with us to discuss making a compensation claim.
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