Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally – contributing to about 10 million deaths per year. About 1 in every 6 deaths across the globe is due to cancer. Somewhere between 30% to 50% of all cancer incidents are preventable through immunization and healthy lifestyle choices.[1]
Delayed cancer diagnoses allow the disease to develop; putting patients in an unfairly disadvantageous position. Patients diagnosed late due to a medical provider’s negligence may file a medical malpractice claim.
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Patients who have their cancers caught early have generally better chances for survival. At the same time, treatments at earlier stages are typically less aggressive – meaning they cost less as well. Early detection and diagnosis is crucial in fighting cancer.[2]
Let’s look at lung cancer as an example, which is the most common cancer when both male and female populations are considered. Its 5-year relative survival rates are as follows:
| SEER Stage of Lung Cancer | 5-Year Relative Survival Rate |
| Localized (Stage 1 or 2) | 65% |
| Regional (Stage 3) | 37% |
| Distant (Stage 4) | 9% |
Naturally, survival rates are lower at more advanced stages. These figures emphasize how early detection can create an advantageous position for people with cancer.
Delays in cancer diagnosis may be caused by either the patient or the medical providers. In an earlier study, delays in diagnoses generally boil down to patients failing to recognize cancer symptoms; primary care doctors missing warning signs or delayed referrals; and secondary care facing timing issues or incorrect specialty referrals.[3]
Here are some potential medical lapses that could lead to delayed cancer diagnosis:
Legal counsels delve into their clients’ medical records to look for such errors. They work hand in hand with trusted medical experts in evaluating and establishing your claim.
The earliest symptoms of cancer are non-specific, meaning said symptoms are shared with an array of other diseases. As such, medical providers must be extra diligent when cancer may be suspected. Some of these missable early symptoms of cancer include:
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Delays in cancer diagnosis have factors at different levels. In order to mitigate instances of delayed diagnosis, concerned institutions may look into:[3]
Primary Care Improvements
Healthcare System Changes
Public Education and Awareness
At the Porter Law Group, our team of proven medical malpractice lawyers delivers ideal results. We take pride in helping families rebuild after unfavorable circumstances. We operate on a contingency basis – meaning you do not need to pay us anything unless we win your case. Through this approach, we can better support families during their times of need.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, please reach out to us for a non-obligatory free case evaluation. You can also contact us at 833-PORTER9 or info@porterlawteam.com to schedule a consultation.
