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14/04/2008
In an interview with the Observer newspaper,
Professor
Mike Richards expressed concern that some GPs were
failing to properly pick up on obvious signs of cancer
in some patients.
The delay caused in many cases proves fatal as the
patient loses the opportunity to gain early access to
treatment. This in turn causes added strain for the
healthcare system as less intrusive and expensive
procedures are not viable once a cancer has developed to
a certain degree.
We at The Claims Connection come across cases of this
kind very regularly and share the concerns issued by the
health chief. If you have been affected by this
type of situation and wish to make an enquiry about
medical negligence
claims - contact us on 0800 0322210
The
Cancer Reform Strategy recently confirmed that late
diagnosis was the main reason why UK survival rates are
lower than in the rest of Europe.
There are said to be 250,000 patients every year that
are diagnosed with cancer and Professor Richards pointed
out that whilst only a small number of people are
wrongly diagnosed, the numbers are still significant.
Certain cancers can be more difficult to identify such
as breast cancer and child sufferers.
Statistics in 2006 (the most recent
available) showed that:
1900 patients suffered missed or late diagnosis but
this was thought to be the tip of the iceberg said
officials at the time
Some patients waited up to 23 months to be properly
diagnosed due to GP led delays
Breast, Bowel and Lung cancer are among those said to
be very difficult to diagnose and they formed the bulk
of the 1900 officially recorded.
The problems are aggravated further by blunders
occurring in hospitals during treatment. Biopsies going
missing, X rays being lost etc all add to the delays
encountered.
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