Compensation for Delayed Diagnosis of Lung Cancer
A delay in the diagnosis of lung cancer can affect the patient's long-term prognosis. Effectively, a delay can reduce their chances of survival.
Cancer treatment and diagnosis
A delay in diagnosis may be because the patient has failed to recognise the possible significance of their symptoms and, therefore, delayed seeking medical help.
It may also be because their medical professional has not considered the significance of their symptoms and not organised for the necessary and appropriate tests to confirm the cause of their symptoms.
Following a recent update to the NHS website, it states that, whilst 1 in 3 people who are diagnosed with lung cancer survive for more than a year after diagnosis, only about 1 in 20 people survive for 10 years after diagnosis. That is only 5% of lung cancer patients.
Earlier this year, The Health Foundation, observed that 'too many cancers are being diagnosed too late.. almost half of all lungs cancers are diagnosed at the most advanced stage.' Its comments were based on new statistics released by the Office for National Statistics.
Government targets
The government targets are clear about its expectations for the speed of diagnosis and treatment for cancer:
- Patients to be seen by a specialist within 14 days of an urgent GP referral for suspected cancer
- Patients to receive first treatment within 31 days of a cancer diagnosis
- Patients to receive first treatment within 62 days of an urgent GP referral for suspected cancer
There are several points at which a delay may occur: the GP deciding to make a referral to a specialist; the patient getting to see the specialist; and when the patient receives their first treatment.
Symptoms of lung cancer
The following may indicate that the patient is developing lung cancer and may warrant a referral for an appointment with a specialist:
- A persistent cough or one that gets worse
- Persistent breathlessness
- Fatigue and loss of appetite
- A painful chest
- Coughing up blood
A failure on the part of medical professionals to make an urgent referral for a patient whose symptoms may indicate a cancer diagnosis, may be considered to be substandard care if it subsequently transpires that the patient is, indeed, suffering from cancer.
Medical negligence
If you or a loved one are suffering the significant impact of a delay in diagnosing lung cancer, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Contact Glynns today to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
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