Thousands of NHS patients are put at risk each year because of delayed or misdiagnosed cancer symptoms.
According to Cancer Research UK, up to 52,000 patients per year have their cancer symptoms missed. The failure to diagnose cancer at an early stage can be devastating and can significantly reduce the chances of patient survival.
For some patients the failure to correctly diagnose illness at an early stage, could mean enduring a more aggressive treatment than might otherwise have been needed. For others the situation may be even more serious, as the cancer may have developed to such a point that it has become far too extensive and widespread for treatment.
If you or a loved one has developed cancer which your GP or hospital failed to diagnose, you can call us at Imperium Law to find out if you are entitled to pursue a claim for compensation.
Cancer claim types:
Breast cancer
Misdiagnosis of breast cancer is most common in women under 50 years old. This type of cancer can either be invasive or non-invasive, and an early diagnosis can significantly increase the chance of survival. Correct diagnosis is vital as cancer cells, if left to grow unchecked, can spread through to other parts of the body.
If you find a lump in your breast you are advised to seek immediate medical attention, and you should be referred for further tests by your GP.
- If you have been failed by your GP and were not referred on for further tests, you may have a claim for compensation.
- If you were referred for further tests which were incorrectly interpreted or you were incorrectly advised your results were clear, you may have a claim for compensation.
Colon cancer
If cancer of the colon is caught at an early stage there is a high survival rate and the cancer can often be successfully treated.
Most commonly this form of cancer starts as a polyp growing on the inside of the bowel wall. Polyps can take up to 10 years to become cancerous, therefore early removal can prevent the cancer from developing.
Sadly this form of cancer has a high rate of misdiagnosis, a fact which is particularly true for younger bowel cancer sufferers.
If you are suffering symptoms such as blood in your bowel movements, seek immediate medical advice and ask for a referral for specialist tests.
- If your GP fails to refer you on for tests, or you were screened but were incorrectly advised your result were clear, you may have a claim for compensation.
Making an NHS misdiagnosis claim
At Imperium Law we have a specialist medical misdiagnosis team who can claim on your behalf. We are dedicated to winning the winning your case and obtaining the settlement you deserve for your pain, suffering, loss of earnings and for any ongoing medical care.
In cases where a loved one has died because their cancer symptoms were missed and this directly led to their premature death, family members are entitled to make a claim. If you would like to find out about compensation for the death of a loved one call 0800 633 5730.
As there is a strict time limit to making a personal injury claim you are advised to call for claims advice without delay.
To discuss making a claim for compensation call 0800 633 5730. Alternatively fill in our call back form and we’ll be in touch at a convenient time.