One in three people in the UK is affected by cancer in one of its many varying types.
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Cancer research has increased the prospects of cancer survival significantly over the last twenty years, with more and more people surviving cancer than ever before.
Survival and recovery rates rely upon prompt diagnosis and appropriate care being put into place. Common Medical Negligence cancer claims involve the delay in diagnosis, misdiagnosis of cancer and failure to implement appropriate care once a diagnosis has been made.
Types of Cancer Claims
There are generally three types of claims involving cancer patients:
- Delay in diagnosis – This is where there has been a significant delay in you undergoing appropriate tests and being diagnosed with the correct condition- link yo misdiagnosis page
- Incorrect diagnosis – When you have been diagnosed as suffering from cancer when in fact you are suffering from a less sinister condition.
- Incorrect or inappropriate treatment – When you have received your diagnosis however the treatment for the same is incorrect or inappropriate. The results can be devastating.
For further information about these types of claims, visit our Medical Misdiagnosis section, here.
Which Cancers Are Most Commonly Misdiagnosed?
Certain cancers can be very difficult to diagnose and some people are advised that they have cancer when they do not and vice versa. This can obviously be devastating to those involved and their families.
Cancer misdiagnosis is common, and presently this is increasing. The most common are:
- Lung Cancer – Often misdiagnosed as respiratory diseases such as pneumonia or asthma, as the symptoms are often the same – such as shortness of breath or coughing.
- Breast Cancer – There are a number of reasons why lumps are formed in or around the breast that can lead to misdiagnosis of cancer. Often the lumps may be benign or could be inflammation of the breast tissue. There is a growing rate of male breast cancer being diagnosed.
- Pancreatic Cancer – Often this will be misdiagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome, gallstones or pancreatitis.
- Colorectal cancer – Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis or haemorrhoids can be diagnosed instead of cancer.
Other cancers that are misdiagnosed include Ovarian, Cervical, Prostate, Skin, Testicular, thyroid, stomach and a whole variety of other cancers.
How Do I Make a Claim?
If you feel that a medical professional has misdiagnosed your cancer or there has been a delay in diagnosing your cancer, you could be entitled to compensation. The team at Oakwood Solicitors will be able to give you free advice on the prospects of your case and whether you would be eligible to make a claim.
Ask our team about our No-Win, No-Fee agreement.
How Long Do I Have To Make A Claim?
Cancer claims of this nature are subject to a three-year limitation period. This means that you will have three years from the date you became aware of negligence or in cases where the patient is sadly no longer with us – three years from the date of death, to bring about a claim. These claims are complex and lengthy. Please do not delay, contact our specialist team as soon as possible.
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WHAT TO DO NEXT
If you have been affected by misdiagnosis, late diagnosis or clinical error regarding cancer, or require any advice about legal proceedings – check our specific list of services below and get in touch today for a free initial consultation. Choose one of the methods on the right-hand side of this page, or call us on 0113 200 9787 to find out how we can help you.
