What are the common causes of delayed cancer diagnosis or treatment?

Written by Michael Shiers | Medical Negligence Team | 15 August 2024

Unfortunately, delays in cancer diagnosis and treatment are becoming increasingly common and can significantly impact a patient's health and prognosis. There are several common factors that, in some cases, can contribute towards these delays.

Misinterpretation of Symptoms

Cancer symptoms can often be vague or mirror those of less serious conditions. For example, persistent cough or shortness of breath – both symptoms of lung cancer - might be misdiagnosed as a respiratory infection.

Failure to Order Appropriate Tests

Even when symptoms are recognised, there can be a failure to order the necessary diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis, which can lead to significant delays in identification. Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) can be a sinister sign but is sometimes not taken seriously or the symptoms are treated with medication, rather than investigating the cause of the IDA.

Administrative Errors

Administrative errors within healthcare systems can contribute to delays, such as misplaced medical records, incorrect patient information, and scheduling failures.

Lack of Timely Referrals

Healthcare providers play a crucial role in recognising when a patient needs to be referred to a specialist. Delays in making these referrals can prevent timely diagnosis and treatment.

Insufficient Follow-Up

Following up with patients is essential to ensure that abnormal test results are properly investigated. A failure to schedule and proceed with follow-up appointments can lead to missed or delayed diagnoses.

Communication Breakdowns

Communication between healthcare providers and patients is important for efficient diagnosis and treatment. Miscommunication can lead to misunderstandings, overlooked symptoms, and missed opportunities to diagnose.

Resource Limitations

Limitations, such as staff shortages, appointment backlogs, lack of equipment and facilities, can contribute to delays. These factors tend to be attributed to an underfunded service provision.

It’s important that these factors are recognised so that steps can be taken to mitigate them. This can help with early detection and timely intervention, which is beneficial for a positive patient outcome and higher survival rate.

If you or a loved one has experienced delays in cancer diagnosis or treatment, it is important to seek legal advice to explore your options. Our Medical Negligence team can help you. To discuss your circumstances directly with our team, you can get in touch with them by calling 01752 827085 or emailing enquiries@nash.co.uk.