NHS told to improve early cancer diagnosis
The Government’s leading advisor on Cancer, Professor Mike Richards, has published a report criticising the huge disparity between first year survival rates in different areas of the country.
Previously the NHS has only used statistics concerning 5 year survival rates.
One year survival rates detail the amount of patients who survive for more than one year after cancer is first diagnosed. This is an important statistic in measuring how efficient a particular Hospital or NHS Trust is in diagnosing cancer early. Death before the one year mark usually indicates that the cancer has been diagnosed at a late stage.
Delay in diagnosis of cancer accounts for a substantial amount of Clinical Negligence claims. Whilst some of the best performing Trusts share similar figures with Europe’s best performing nations, there is a wide disparity in England. For example, cancer patients in Kensington and Chelsea are 3 times more likely to live a year than those in Herefordshire.
So why is survival so much better in some parts of the Country than others? In an interview with BBC radio 4, Professor Richards said that the exact reason was unclear, however, if you feel that you or someone you know has been the victim of a delay in diagnosis of cancer, you should consider the following factors:-
- Has your GP made a prompt referral to Hospital or have they recommended monitoring and prescription medication to address the immediate symptoms? It is often difficult for a GP to make a precise diagnosis as many cancer symptoms can match those of a less serious condition, for example, frequent headaches. However, Professor Richards has commented that GPs should adopt a ‘play it safe’ approach and refer to Hospital if there is doubt. Failure to refer may give rise to a claim for compensation.
- Has the patient sought early medical advice? It is often difficult to establish that a clinician is at fault and that different treatment would have altered the outcome if the patient themselves have delayed seeking medical attention. Statistically, men have been shown to be hesitant in coming forward and seeking advice, particularly where there is a sensitive prostate or testicular issue. One issue raised by Professor Richards is how the public can be educated to recognise symptoms at an early stage.
- Have the Hospital conducted appropriate tests? Often only a combination of blood tests, scans and physical examinations can determine whether a patient has cancer. NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence) has published guidelines in the diagnosis and management of certain and specific cancers. Should Hospital staff fail to comply with these guidelines, the patient may have an actionable claim for compensation.
If you feel that you have encountered a delay in the diagnosis of cancer and would like to discuss a claim then please contact Metcalfes Solicitors on 0117 929 0451 to arrange a free initial consultation or email arigby@metcalfes.co.uk.
Metcalfes have a specialist clinical negligence department and both Partners in this department are on the Law Society Clinical Negligence panel. We offer a range of funding options including ‘no-win, no-fee’ agreements (conditional fee agreements) as well as public funding, previously known as legal aid, for those who are eligible.
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