Slowing improvement rates in cancer survival prompt calls for the government to focus on waiting times and early detection.
As reported by the BBC, a new study into cancer survival rates in England and Wales has highlighted two important findings:
• Although cancer survival rates overall have improved since the 1970s, the rate of improvement generally has slowed over recent years
• Some cancer survival rates are improving dramatically whereas others are lagging behind.
For some forms of cancer, such as cancer of the stomach and lungs and pancreas, early detection, which can vastly increase the chances of a good outcome, is difficult.
For other forms of cancer, which are generally associated with an earlier diagnosis and better survival rates, delays in medical care may contribute to a poor outcome.
Unnecessary delays between referral and scanning and diagnosis may allow time for the cancer to worsen and spread, compromising the patient’s long-term prognosis.
Likewise, a misdiagnosis of the patient’s symptoms may cause a delay in achieving an accurate diagnosis, again facilitating a deterioration in both condition and long-term outcome.
Ultimately, a delay may mean the untimely death of the patient.
If a misdiagnosis or a delay in medical care causes a patient to suffer a worse outcome from their cancer diagnosis than should have been the case with earlier diagnosis or more appropriate care, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
Call Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence law.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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