The Irish Cancer Society reports that every three minutes someone is diagnosed with cancer, and every hour someone dies from it.
Diseases such as cancer are on the rise. It’s estimated that half of the population will develop cancer during their lifetime.
The most prevalent types of cancer in Ireland are:
- skin cancer
- prostate cancer
- breast cancer
- Bowel cancer
- Lung cancer
A lot of money has been invested in cancer screening and the discovery of new treatments. As a result, the survival rate of cancer patients is increasing. Screening is a great tool for detecting early indications of cancer. In Ireland, there are currently three screening programmes: breast, cervical, and bowel screening. Breast screening is offered every two years to women between the ages of 50 and 67. There are smear tests offered for women between the ages of 25 and 60 in order to diagnose cervical cancer at an early stage. For men and women aged 60 to 69, the new bowel screening programme (BowelScreen) is offered; this test can be conducted at home using a FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test). An individual will be invited for a colonoscopy if symptoms of blood are observed (which occurs in 5% of examinations).
What defines cancer medical malpractice?
Referral for follow-up examination should be given to any patient who presents with cancer symptoms to their GP, A&E, or any other point of entry into the health system. Once a cancer diagnosis is made, a treatment strategy must be put in place and implemented immediately.
Some cancer-related situations could be considered medically negligent:
- Failure to recognise cancer symptoms and indicators
- Failure to be seen in a timely manner after a referral
- There was no cancer diagnosis (or an inaccurate diagnosis)
- Improper treatment planning
- Not keeping track of the cancer’s progress and making necessary adjustments to the treatment plan
- Failure to disclose the hazards of cancer therapy
How does cancer medical negligence affect people?
Cancer can grow to a more severe level if it is not diagnosed in a timely manner. Untreated or undiscovered cancer is liable to cause additional damage with each passing day. While some tumours are slow-growing and some are more treatable than others, any delay can mean the difference between curative and palliative treatment.
A more extensive and prompt treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, may be required as a result. The removal of polyps that may develop into malignant tumours in the early stages of bowel cancer, for example, is conceivable. However, if cancer is not treated within a few months, it may spread beyond the colon to local lymph nodes and eventually to distant organs if it is not treated. Many therapeutic options exist for patients with advanced cancer, however if cancer diagnosis or therapy is delayed, the chance of being cured may be lost forever.
What qualifies as cancer medical negligence?
Cancer medical negligence is characterised as:
- As a result of this negligence, the medical care you received fell below a decent standard (i.e. another medical practitioner would not have made the same mistake).
- A medical expert’s opinion and medical data are used to substantiate your case.
What is covered by a cancer medical negligence claim if it is successful?
Cancer medical malpractice claims may involve two areas of loss:
- As well as specific costs related to cancer, for example, it could cover expenses previously incurred (such as travel, lodgings, and medical treatment) and future expenses (such as lost wages and care needs).
- Costs will be determined by the type of damage you incurred, as well as other factors.
Why should you work with Tiernan Medical Negligence Solicitors?
- As a result of cancer medical malpractice, Tiernan Solicitors has successfully managed a large number of injury and disease claims. After speaking with a solicitor, we will listen to your case attentively, empathically, and only propose moving forward if we believe there is merit to your claim.
- In addition, our medical negligence solicitors will compile all of the required facts for your case including medical records and oversee the submission of the claim on your behalf.
- Your recuperation and care, or the care of a family member or loved one, can be focused on when you entrust us to manage your claim on your behalf.