Over 148,000 people are estimated to be diagnosed with colon cancer this year. The early detection of cancer of the colon allows the individual the best chance for surviving the cancer. If detected when it is still just a polyp it may be possible to remove the cancer during a colonoscopy. And even if it is not longer just a polyp but has not yet spread beyond the colon it may be possible to fully remove it surgically. Approximately 37 percent (or about 54,750 people) will will be diagnosed with colon cancer that has already spread to at least one of the lymph nodes. And nineteen percent (approximately twenty eight thousand people already have distant metastasis when they are first diagnosed. More than fifty five thousand individuals are estimated to die from the cancer.
What explains why are so many people not diagnosed until the cancer is already advanced? In part it is because individuals sometimes choose not to undergo screening even though their physician recommends it. Also some people just do not see a doctor on a regular basis. Beyond that there are cases of physicians do not recommend colon screening to their patients and fail to follow up although the patient has symptoms. If the patient is diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer after the physician either failed to screen the patient or to follow up on complaints of symptoms, the patient may have a medical malpractice claim against that doctor. A diagnosis of stage 4 colon cancer results a much reduced five year survival rate.
A cancer lawyer may be help you figure out if there may be a medical malpractice claim against a doctor or other health care provider for the delayed diagnosis of colon cancer. In certain circumstances the family can seek the services of a wrongful death attorney 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.!The above should not be considered medical advice. You should always consult with a doctor regarding any medical issues and before taking any medical advice.