A cancer diagnosis is devastating for anyone. For the patient who faces a lengthy period of treatment followed by an uncertain future for themselves, but also for their family, who have to support and see their loved one go through the whole ordeal, it is a terrible time. Even more so where there has been a delay in diagnosis but this is where our clinical negligence lawyers can assist.
Increased waiting times in a post-pandemic world
Since the pandemic hit the UK, Covid-19’s effect on cancer patients has been an increasing concern due to delayed or decreased diagnosis, tests and treatments. The majority of NHS procedures and services were either paused or had reduced capacity during the worst of the pandemic so there are now more people on diagnostic waiting lists than ever before.
A huge concern too is how the backlog of people left without a diagnosis will be dealt with in the coming months and years, with the NHS still experiencing significant pressures as a result of the pandemic.
The latest figures show that delays to cancer referrals and treatment times have led to an estimated 32,000 missing cancer patients that should have already started to receive treatment. More than 53,000 people have had their cancer treatment delayed past the NHS set goal. The share of patients receiving treatment following an urgent referral within the set NHS target of 62 days has dropped from 78% before the pandemic to 71% in 2020. In more recent months, this has fallen as low as 67%. The number of cancer cases receiving urgent first treatment dropped by around 2000 per month during the pandemic.
Finding Symptoms Early
It is absolutely crucial to spot cancer early to increase the chances of survival. When cancer is diagnosed before it has the chance to spread to other nearby organs, treatment is more likely to be successful. Also, the treatment that you’ll need to treat cancer at an early stage should be less extensive, and not as lengthy or traumatic as if the diagnosis has been delayed.
Remember that you know your body better than anyone else so if you notice any changes that are worrying you, no matter how small or insignificant they might seem, it is always a good idea to talk to your doctor.
Why are some cancers diagnosed late?
The increase in waiting times because of the pandemic is not the only factor; there are often other reasons as to why cancer is diagnosed late. Firstly, a person may not be aware of the signs and symptoms to look out for as they can often be hard to spot. There are all sorts of signs of specific types of cancer but the main signs to look out for are:
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Unexplained weight loss
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Feeling tired for no reason
–             A pain or ache that you can’t explain
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â An unusual lump or swelling in any part of your body
Another reason for diagnoses being delayed may be that not all diagnoses are straightforward. For example, a doctor will usually want to investigate other possibilities before making a cancer diagnosis so it may take more time than you would expect.
The impact of a late diagnosis
Debra recently represented Mrs. P in a case where her diagnosis of cancer on her tongue was delayed. Mrs. P had been to her dentist six times complaining of an ulcer on the side of her tongue which would not heal. Unfortunately, instead of making a referral to the Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic, the dentist gave her mouthwash and told her it would heal with regular use.
By the time Mrs. P eventually mentioned the ulcer on her tongue to her local GP, who immediately referred her to an ENT specialist, the cancer had advanced and the surgery that Mrs. P had to undergo was extensive. She had to have a large portion of her tongue removed and spend a period of time in Intensive Care. Mrs. P had been diagnosed with a moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma and sadly, she had to be fed through a tube for a lengthy period.
The cancer had spread to the lymph glands in her neck, and although treated aggressively at the time, it had unfortunately recurred by the time the case was settled.
It is clear that with earlier treatment, the cancer could have been removed, along with a smaller part of Mrs. P’s tongue. No chemotherapy or other extensive treatment would have been required, the cancer would not have spread and it is extremely unlikely it would have subsequently recurred.
What to do if you’re worried
In the UK, national screening programmes can help diagnose cancers at an early stage, when treatment is more likely to be successful. Cancer screening is for people without symptoms, so if you’ve noticed a change, don’t wait for screening. Find out more about cancer screening here. [put in https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-symptoms/spot-cancer-early/screening/what-is-cancer-screening]
If you have any worrying symptoms you should see your GP as soon as possible. Just explain what your symptoms are and what it is that you are worried about. Even though the COVID pandemic has not gone away, there are still urgent referral guidelines for suspected cancer cases and your GP or dentist should always refer you for the appropriate tests.
Get in touch
If you or one of your loved ones have been affected by a delayed cancer diagnosis, our expert and supportive clinical negligence team at Harding Evans can help you through this difficult time. You may be able to make a claim and our team of experienced and sympathetic solicitors can help support and guide you and your family through the investigation process. Call us on 01633 244233 or email us at hello@hevans.com.
