A new study published in Health Day News reports that only 61 percent of Americans who should be screened for colon cancer are actually tested. This trend continues despite highly publicized colon cancer awareness campaigns and widespread agreement among medical professionals regarding the prevalence of colorectal cancer, and, the important part that early detection and diagnosis play in a patient’s prognosis and survival rate. The patients who are most likely to get screened include those who see a doctor regularly for check-ups and/or who had health insurance. The report noted that minority and uninsured patients, and, those below the poverty line income level, were less likely to receive adequate screenings.
Colon cancer kills nearly 50,000 Americans every year and is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States after lung cancer. A number of these deaths can be prevented with early diagnosis and treatment of the cancer. Unfortunately, doctors sometimes do not reinforce the need to have colon cancer screenings performed, causing a further delay in the diagnosis of the disease.
It is unfortunate that undiagnosed or late diagnosed cancer continues to be a problem, despite recent improvements in early screening and treatment. If you or a loved one have been misdiagnosed, or, if you have suffered serious consequences as a result of a delay in your cancer diagnosis, you may have meritorious grounds to pursue a medical malpractice claim against your doctor or hospital. You can consult with an experienced New Jersey cancer misdiagnosis lawyer at Blume Forte by contacting us at 973-845-4421. We always offer a no-cost consultation, and, will evaluate your potential case to determine if there are any viable claims to be made.