A recent article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel addresses the experiences of three women who suffered the consequences of delayed ovarian cancer diagnosis. A 49-year-old woman said she had been telling her doctors about various symptoms and tell-tale signs including abnormal bleeding between periods. She was told nothing was wrong, until a year later, when she went back to the doctors and was informed that she would need to have surgery for ovarian cancer the next day.
According to national statistics, one in 72 women at some point in their lives will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer. About 20,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year and, unfortunately, more than half die within five years.
These statistics remind us that missed or delayed diagnosis of cancer is a very serious issue and may occur more frequently than most people realize. Cancer does not always have to be fatal, and, indeed, in many cases cancer can be cured if detected early enough. Therefore, it is important for potential cancer patients to be well-informed, to ask questions, and to seek second opinions. Thousands of patients who have survived their cancer have indicated how their decisions to seek a second opinion saved their life.
An incorrect or untimely diagnosis of cancer can have devastating effects on the life of a patient and her family; and, can result in a worsened prognosis, a need for more extensive or radical treatment, and, even death. If you or someone you know has suffered the consequence of a doctor’s or hospital’s negligence, contact a cancer misdiagnosis attorney at Blume Forte to find out how we can help. Our attorneys have the knowledge and the expertise to determine whether there was any negligence in your care, and, if you have a potential claim. You can reach us for a no-cost consultation at 973-845-4421.