Colorectal cancer is a life-threatening disease and, as with all cancers, must be diagnosed correctly and timely in order to give the patient the best treatment options and overall prognosis. According to The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ), colorectal cancer is the third-most common form of cancer in both women and men, as well as the third leading cause of cancer death in the nation. Although the rates of new cases and deaths from colorectal cancer have been decreasing, over 100,000 new cases are diagnosed and tens of thousands die each year as a result of the disease.
Colorectal cancer may develop in the rectum or the colon (parts of the digestive tract). Symptoms that may indicate colorectal cancer include but are not limited to:
- Rectal bleeding;
- Changes in bowel habits that last for more than a few days;
- Lower stomach cramps/pain;
- Blood in the stool;
- Anemia; and/or
- Consistently feeling that you still need to have a bowel movement.
Healthcare providers can diagnose colorectal cancer early with proper screenings and appropriate examinations including the comprehensive taking of family and personal history. If healthcare providers fail to perform appropriate screenings (including colonoscopies, biopsies, etc.) or fail to properly interpret the results of tests, they may not timely diagnose this life-threatening disease.
If you or a loved one has suffered as the result of a failed colon cancer diagnosis or misdiagnosis, the knowledgeable New Jersey failure to diagnose colon cancer attorneys at Blume Forte can discuss your potential legal rights, and may assist you to determine whether you may have a meritorious claim. Contact us for a no-cost consultation at 973-845-4421.