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What Can Cause a Delay in Cancer Diagnosis?
There can be several reasons why a cancer diagnosis may be delayed. A healthcare professional may fail to recognise concerning symptoms, decide that further investigation is unnecessary, or fail to refer a patient to an appropriate specialist.
Delays can also occur when diagnostic tests are not arranged promptly, or abnormal results are not followed up. Where concerns relate to the actions or decisions of a GP, the circumstances may potentially be considered as part of a GP Negligence Claim.
However, a delayed diagnosis alone does not necessarily establish medical negligence. The circumstances of the case need to be assessed carefully.
When Could a Delay Amount to Negligence?
A potential Medical Negligence Claim may arise where the standard of care provided was below what could reasonably have been expected, and this resulted in avoidable harm.
Medical evidence may be required to establish whether the cancer should have been diagnosed earlier and whether an earlier diagnosis would have changed the treatment or outcome.
How Can Delayed Diagnosis Affect Treatment?
The consequences of a delayed cancer diagnosis can vary depending on the type of cancer and how quickly it develops. A delay may mean that the cancer is discovered at a more advanced stage, potentially requiring more extensive treatment.
Patients may experience additional surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or other treatment. A delayed diagnosis can also have consequences for recovery, employment, finances and everyday activities.
For example, delays can occur in different types of cancer, including cases involving Lung Cancer Misdiagnosis Claims, where persistent respiratory symptoms or abnormal findings may not be investigated appropriately.
Investigating a Delayed Cancer Diagnosis
A claim will generally involve reviewing your medical history and the treatment provided before the cancer was diagnosed. Relevant evidence may include GP records, hospital notes, referral letters, scan results, biopsy reports and correspondence between healthcare professionals.
Independent medical experts may then assess whether the diagnosis should have been made sooner and whether the delay contributed to additional injury or loss.
Where the concerns relate to investigations, treatment or follow-up provided in a hospital, the circumstances may also be relevant to Hospital Negligence Claims.
Different Types of Cancer Diagnosis Errors
Cancer can affect different parts of the body, and the symptoms and diagnostic process can vary considerably. For example, a failure to investigate bowel symptoms appropriately may result in circumstances relevant to Bowel Cancer Misdiagnosis Claims.
Similarly, changes to moles, skin lesions or other concerning symptoms that are not appropriately assessed may result in Skin Cancer Misdiagnosis Claims.
What Losses Can Be Considered?
Where negligence is established, compensation may reflect the impact of the delayed diagnosis. Depending on the circumstances, this may include additional treatment costs, loss of earnings, travel expenses and care or rehabilitation needs.
The effect of the delay on your health and quality of life may also be taken into account when assessing the claim.
In the most serious cases, where a delayed diagnosis has contributed to a person's death, the circumstances may potentially be considered under Fatal Medical Negligence Claims, subject to the available medical evidence.
Talk to Step Legal Solicitors
If you believe your cancer diagnosis was delayed because of negligent medical treatment, Step Legal Solicitors can help investigate what happened and explain whether you may have grounds for a claim.
If you’re happy to instruct us, your claim will be handled on a No Win No Fee retainer. This means there are no upfront costs, and no financial risks if your claim is ultimately unsuccessful.
Call 0800 195 6412, contact us online or come into any of our offices to discuss your Delayed Cancer Diagnosis Claim on a free and no-strings-attached basis.
Even if you’re are 100% sure you have a claim, it’s always worth getting in touch with a solicitor.
