Failure To Follow Up On Abnormal Colon Cancer Screening Test Results

Each year over one hundred forty eight thousand people are diagnosed with colon cancer. Every year over 55,000 people die from the disease. Colon cancer deaths are caused by the spread of the cancer.If diagnosed early colon cancer has a high cure rate. If caught early enough the cancer is simply removed during a colonoscopy while it is still a mere polyp.

Even though there have been many attempts to educate the public regarding screening for colon cancer many people still do not undergo screening procedures, such as a colonoscopy. Some people refuse to undergo the procedure even though their physician recommends it. Yet there are still times when doctors who do not refer their patients for screening. This sometimes happens even when the patient shows symptoms. Without performing any tests, these physicians sometimes tell their patients that the are merely due to hemorrhoids.

Should the physicians do this and the patient is later found to have metastatic colon cancer the patient may have a medical malpractice claim against that physician. Unfortunately, each year about 37 percent (or roughly 54,750 people) already have advanced cancer of the colon by the time they are diagnosed, and nineteen percent (about 28,000 people) already have distant metastasis by the time they are diagnosed. A diagnosis of metastatic colon cancer means a much reduced five year survival rate.

If you or a member of your family have been diagnosed with advanced colon cancer and you believe that the diagnosis was delayed due to a physician’s failure to recommend colon cancer screening or failed to follow up on sings of colon cancer an attorney experienced in cancer law can help you determine if there may be a medical malpractice claim. In certain circumstances a wrongful death lawyer may be able to assist the family.This entry is meant for information purposes only and not as medical or legal advice. Always consult with a physician for any questions regarding medical matters and before taking any medical advice.