March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and, at this time, it is important to recognize the dangers of the disease, as well as become familiar with appropriate and effective treatment. During awareness months, the focus is often on the disease itself, its risk factors, symptoms, and even treatment options, but the role of healthcare professionals in a cancer patient’s prognosis is not usually discussed to any great degree.
The experienced failure to diagnose colorectal cancer attorneys in New Jersey at Blume Forte would like to discuss the role of healthcare professionals in a patient’s prognosis.
According to the Prevent Cancer Foundation, an estimated 50,830 people will die of colorectal cancer in 2013 and another 142,000 will be diagnosed with the disease. With the proper guidance by healthcare professionals, there are steps people can take to help prevent the development of colon cancer and/or determine its presence at an earlier stage when it would be more “curable”. A cancer patient’s prognosis is ultimately determined by the actions of their healthcare professionals.
In order to have a favorable prognosis, a cancer patient must be diagnosed correctly and in a timely manner, and must be prescribed treatment that is both effective and appropriate as per accepted standards of medical care. Unfortunately, not all healthcare professionals adhere to these standards. Misinterpreting symptoms, failing to identify symptoms, misdiagnosing or untimely diagnosing the condition, and prescribing ineffective or inappropriate treatments can result in a poor prognosis and even death.
If you or a loved one has suffered as the result of a failure to diagnose or a misdiagnosis of colorectal cancer, our attorneys may be able to help. To discuss your potential claim, call us at 973-845-4421 for a no-cost consultation.