How to Prevent Cancer Misdiagnosis

February is National Cancer Prevention Month, with World Cancer Day celebrated on Feb. 4. It’s a time to raise public cancer awareness about cancer detection, treatment, and prevention to save lives. Nearly two million Americans are diagnosed with cancer annually, with over half a million deaths expected. Of those deaths, some may have been caused by a delayed or missed cancer diagnosis. Below, Pegalis Law Group, LLC examines why and how often cancer misdiagnosis occurs and what steps you can take as a proactive patient to prevent it. Being aware of your symptoms and knowing when to seek a second medical opinion could save you or a loved one’s life this year.

Why Are Cancers Misdiagnosed? How Often Does It Happen?

Tragically, cancer misdiagnosis may be more common than you think. Research indicates about 10-20% of cancer cases are misdiagnosed due to physician errors, negligence, incompetence, or inexperience. Occasionally, faulty medical equipment (such as X-ray or MRI technology) may be the culprit. Depending on the type and severity, cancer is often difficult to detect. Sometimes, doctors see cancerous cells and abnormal growths where there aren’t any, and vice versa. Many types of cancer are so rare that there’s a general lack of knowledge in diagnosing and treating them at many medical practices.

Human error is often responsible for a cancer misdiagnosis. Doctors may dismiss patient concerns, fail to ask the right questions, or look for specific symptoms during the diagnostic process. They may not order the proper tests or misread the test results or biopsies when they come back from the labs. Additionally, they may not provide timely follow-up or fail to refer the patient to a specialist for further testing. However, patients can also contribute to their own cancer misdiagnosis by failing to disclose their symptoms to their doctors out of fear or ignorance.

What Are the Most Commonly Misdiagnosed Cancers?

While further research could shed more light on how often misdiagnosis occurs, experts agree these are the most commonly misdiagnosed cancers with missed, delayed, or inaccurate diagnoses occurring:

• Lung
• Breast
• Colon
• Pancreatic
• Ovarian
• Skin (melanoma)
• Cervical
• Uterine
• Mesothelioma
• Lymphoma (Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s)

What Can You Do to Prevent a Cancer Misdiagnosis?

Being a proactive patient and paying attention to changes in your body is your best defense in preventing a cancer misdiagnosis. Document any new or changing symptoms and discuss them with your doctor as they evolve. Keep copies of your medical records, including any lab test results and hospital stays. Do your research so you know the appropriate questions to ask during appointments. Self-awareness is essential, as is seeking alternate medical opinions when the puzzle pieces don’t seem to fit together. Seeking specialist care may be crucial to your accurate diagnosis, so don’t be afraid to ask for a referral. Most doctors won’t be offended if you seek a second – or even third – opinion.

What to Do If You Received a Cancer Misdiagnosis

Cancer treatment is usually more effective the earlier the disease is detected. A cancer misdiagnosis can take a physical, emotional, and financial toll on the victim and their family. Whether your doctor failed to diagnose cancer that was present, diagnosed your type or stage of cancer incorrectly, or diagnosed you with cancer where none was present, you could be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering. However, many states have strict statutes of limitations regarding medical malpractice claims. Consult with an experienced lawyer sooner rather than later to determine if you have a case.

Representing Medical Malpractice Clients for 50+ Years

A New York-based personal injury and medical malpractice law firm, Pegalis Law Group, LLC has 50+ years of experience dealing with cases involving cancer misdiagnosis and more. Please visit our website and follow us on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to learn more about being a proactive patient and keeping up-to-date on various topics affecting you and your family’s healthcare this year.