Misdiagnosed Cancer Cases

After reading the bulk of the morning paper, I eventually reach the obituary section. Without reading every death announcement, I know many of them state that the decedent, “was surrounded by family when he passed away after a long battle with cancer”.

The sad fact is that twenty five percent of all annual deaths in the United States of America are caused by cancer. This equates to over a half million people dying from cancer each and every year. Almost one and a half million people will be diagnosed with cancer in the current year.

The experienced Kingston medical malpractice attorney knows that many of these newly diagnosed cancer patients may have had their chances for a full and complete remission made impossible because their doctor misdiagnosed the cancer, untimely diagnosed the disease, and even failed to properly treat the disease.

Breast cancer, colon cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, among others, are highly treatable if they are found in the early stages of development. In fact, colon cancer can be eliminated before growths become cancerous.

When medical professionals make mistakes, the signs of cancer can be missed. At the most basic level, questioning patients about their medical history and their relative’s medical histories, will help a doctor diagnose a patient. Yet many doctors do not get a complete and accurate patient history. This mistake seems innocent, but it could lead to a delayed or misdiagnosis of cancer. Put another way, if the doctor knew the patient’s history, the doctor would have tested for cancer sooner. And we all know that early and appropriate treatment saves lives.

Even if the doctor had a complete patient history, mistake can be made. The early signs of cancer can be missed, even if right in front of the doctor’s eyes. Many signs are underappreciated. If the patient is not of a certain age or gender, the doctor can negligently dismiss the signs as being non cancerous.

The standard for proper medical care is inconsistent in America as well. Testing standards vary from place to place. The quality of medical facilities and medical equipment varies from region to region. It is not a far stretch to think that this affects the competence of a doctor.

Just like in any profession, some people go above and beyond every day. Some professionals do the minimum that is required. Others barely put forth an effort. But doctors hold life and death in their hands.

Misdiagnosed cancer carries a cost too high. Cancer patients with delayed diagnoses may have a reduced life expectancy. They may be sick for longer than the disease merited. Their medical costs can be higher. Obviously, their lives may never again be the same.

But what do you think? I would love to hear from you! Leave a comment or I also welcome your phone call on my toll-free cell at 1-866-889-6882 or you can drop me an e-mail at jfisher@fishermalpracticelaw.com. You are always welcome to request my FREE book, The Seven Deadly Mistakes of Malpractice Victims, at the home page of my website at www.protectingpatientrights.com.

A person should seek a delay in the diagnosis of cancer lawyer.