Each year over 148,000 men and women are diagnosed with cancer of the colon. Every year more than 55,000 people die as a result of the disease. Colon cancer deaths are caused by the spread of the cancer.If diagnosed early cancer of the colon is for the most part considered curable. When the diagnosis comes early enough the cancer can be removed during a colonoscopy while it is still a mere polyp.
Even with the many attempts to educate people regarding screening for colon cancer many people still do not undergo screening procedures, such as a colonoscopy. Sometimes people refuse to undergo the procedure even though their physician recommends it. But there are still times when doctors who do not recommend colon screening to their patients. This sometimes takes place even though the patient complains of symptoms. Without performing any tests, these physicians sometimes tell their patients that their symptoms are only the result of hemorrhoids.
When this occurs and the patient later finds out metastatic colon cancer the patient may have a medical malpractice claim against that physician. Unfortunately, each year about thirty seven percent (or roughly 54,750 people) already have advanced cancer of the colon by the time they are diagnosed, and nineteen percent (roughly twenty eight thousand people) are already at stage 4 of the disease when they are first diagnosed. A diagnosis of stage 4 colon cancer results a much reduced five year survival rate.
If you or a member of your family have been diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer and you suspect the diagnosis was delayed due to a physician’s failure to recommend colon cancer screening or failure to follow up on complaints of colon cancer symptoms an attorney experienced in cancer law can help you determine whether there may be a medical malpractice claim. In certain circumstances a medical negligence lawyer may be able to help 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.