Oregon cancer patients and their loved ones know that early detection and treatment of cancer is of the upmost importance. A failure to diagnose cancer can lead to a spread of the disease and delayed treatment. In many cases, misdiagnosis can be fatal – especially if the cancer is aggressive or in an advanced stage of the disease.
The results of a major nationwide survey related to cancer misdiagnosis have recently been released. The survey included 400 leading cancer specialists from around the country, with the purpose of obtaining a more complete understanding of cancer misdiagnosis. According to the American Cancer Society, it’s estimated that more than 1.6 million new cancer cases will occur this year.
Unfortunately, many of these cases will go undiagnosed. The rate of cancer misdiagnosis ranges from 15-28% according to The American Journal of Medicine and other published studies. Those surveyed opined that misdiagnosis may at least partly be to blame on overburdened doctors and incomplete medical records. Respondents named lymphoma as being what they believed to be the most often misdiagnosed form of cancer. Breast cancer, melanomas and sarcomas also topped the list.
It’s hoped the findings will pave the way to improve the rate of proper diagnosis in the future. This will ensure future cancer patients get the treatment and care they desperately need to fight the disease.
For the time being, misdiagnosis of cancer continues to occur. For those who have suffered because of a misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose cancer, it’s important to protect your legal rights. An experienced Oregon attorney can assist you with all stages of a potential medical malpractice claim, and help to protect your right to recovery.
Source: Health News Digest, “Landmark nationwide survey on cancer misdiagnosis released,” Jan. 29, 2013