Houston, Texas, cancer patients and their families know that early detection and treatment of cancer is critical to one’s chances of surviving the disease. A doctor’s failure to diagnose cancer can lead to a spread of the disease and delayed treatment. In many cases, misdiagnosis can be fatal. This is especially true if the cancer is aggressive or in an advanced stage of the disease.
Recently, the results of a nationwide survey relating to cancer misdiagnosis have been released. There were 400 leading cancer specialists from around the country included in the survey. The survey’s purpose was to obtain a more complete understanding of cancer misdiagnosis.
According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that more than 1.6 million new cancer cases will occur in 2013. Unfortunately, many of these cases will occur without a diagnosis. According to The American Journal of Medicine and other published studies, the rate of cancer misdiagnosis ranges from 15-28%. Those surveyed suggested that part of the problem of misdiagnosis may be partly to blame on overworked doctors and incomplete medical records. Lymphoma was reported as being the most often misdiagnosed form of cancer. Also at the top of the list were breast cancer, melanomas and sarcomas.
Hopefully, with the help of the surveys findings, the rate of proper diagnosis will be improved upon in the near future. Cancer patients deserve to get the treatment and care they desperately need to fight the disease. It is important that this treatment and care begin as fast as possible upon a proper and timely diagnosis.
Unfortunately, misdiagnosis of cancer continues to occur. For patients who have suffered as a result of a misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose cancer, it is important for them to protect their legal rights. An experienced medical malpractice attorney can assist Texas cancer victims in bringing potential medical malpractice claims to help ensure that they receive the compensation they and their families deserve.
Source: Health News Digest, “Landmark nationwide survey on cancer misdiagnosis released,” Jan. 29, 2013
