Worldwide effort for early cancer detection

On Behalf of | Feb 7, 2017 | Medical Malpractice

Montana residents who have been affected by cancer may know that the late diagnosis of the disease results in the suffering and early deaths of its victims. According to the World Health Organization, in order to prevent these outcomes, the push to have cancer detected early must be intensified.

In a report that was issued in early February, the WHO stated that it intended to enhance the survival chances of cancer patients by making sure the focus of health services is on the early diagnosis and treatment of the deadly disease.

Individuals who have their cancer detected when it is in its late stages are unable to receive effective treatment, which leaves them to suffer unnecessarily and have an untimely death. An early diagnosis and immediate treatment, especially cervical, breast and colorectal cancers, would result in more cancer survivors and lowered treatment costs. The treatment for cancer that is in its early stages is significantly less than that for late-stage cancer, and patients who receive early, effective treatment are able to continue to work and provide support for their families.

Nearly one out of every six people in the world die because of cancer. The WHO report also states that an excess of 14 million people are struck by cancer every year, and that number is expected to increase to over 21 million by 2030.

A failure to detect cancer in a timely manner will likely result in a worsened medical condition. However, in order for it to be deemed medical malpractice, it will have to be shown that the error constituted a failure by the health care practitioner or facility to exhibit the requisite standard of care. Attorneys for plaintiffs in these types of cases will rely on the opinion testimony of medical experts in this regard.

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