“You have cancer.”
Those are some of the three hardest words to hear. We know that a cancer diagnosis can change everything, but there is something that could be even worse – a doctor not properly diagnosing cancer until it is too late.
We know that not all types of cancer are the same and that some are harder to diagnose than others. We also know that there are times, whether through negligence or carelessness, that a doctor does not diagnose cancer when they should have. This kind of mistake can lead to devastating consequences for a person and their family.
If you need a Drexel Hill failure to diagnose and treat cancer attorney, you can count on The Weitz Firm, LLC to be by your side.
Not all cancers are the same. Some are more aggressive than others and everyone’s body responds differently to cancer. One thing is certain – it is always better to have an early diagnosis so that you and your healthcare team know what you are dealing with. Cancer is the number two killer in the United States, right behind heart disease. It claims over 600,000 lives annually.
We want to highlight what the World Health Organization says about cancer that is diagnosed too late:
“Diagnosing cancer in the late stages, and the inability to provide treatment, condemns many people to unnecessary suffering and early death.”
Early detection, particularly when it comes to breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers, is vitally important.
The problem, and it is a significant one, is that diagnostic errors happen often and are the leading cause of severe patient harm. You may not know that medical mistakes are the third leading cause of death in the US. How many of those deaths have to do with misdiagnosing cancer?
The consequences of a delayed diagnosis can lead to extreme patient pain. Cancers that have had more time to spread usually require more intensive lines of treatment to beat. The average cost of treating cancer, according to AARP, can rise above $150,000 a year. In some cases, a diagnosis may come too late altogether, leading directly to a person’s death.
It is important for doctors to take all patient complaints seriously and perform the necessary tests. To do this, they need to be aware of what different cancer symptoms look like, as they often mask themselves as other common illnesses.
We know how scary it can be to find out you have cancer. We also know that the earlier it is diagnosed and treated, the most likely a person will have a favorable outcome. Unfortunately, there are times when a doctor makes a mistake and does not properly diagnose cancer. This can lead to delayed, or even no, treatment being performed.
If you suspect negligence or carelessness on the part of your doctor, you may need a medical malpractice lawyer in Drexel Hill. You can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 267-587-6240.
