Frequently Asked Questions - Late and Delayed Cancer Diagnosis

Q: What are some common types of cancer?

A: Some common cancer types include: Bone cancer, brain cancer, breast cancer, endocrine cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, gynecologic cancer, head and neck cancer, leukemia, lung cancer, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, prostate cancer, skin cancer and soft tissue sarcoma.

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Q: How do you prove negligence in a late cancer diagnosis claim?

A: In order to move forward on a Medical Malpractice Cancer claim, we must be able to prove that the healthcare provider deviated from the reasonable standard of care. We must also be able to show that, due to negligence and delayed diagnosis, the probability for successful treatment was lost. The proof of this is called “causation” and is crucial to establish a claim for Medical Malpractice.

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Q: How many people are expected to die of cancer this year?

A: This year, about 565,650 Americans are expected to die of cancer - more than 1,500 people a day. (Source: The American Cancer Society).

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Q: What percentage of people survives cancer?

A: The 5-year relative survival rate for all cancers diagnosed between 1996 and 2003 is 66 percent, up from 50 percent in 1975-1977. The improvement in survival reflects progress in diagnosing certain cancers at an earlier stage and improvements in treatment. (Source: The American Cancer Society)

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Q: Why do I need a medical malpractice lawyer if I’ve experienced a delay in accurate cancer diagnosis?

A: If you or someone you care about have been injured through the late diagnosis of cancer by a negligent health care provider you need a medical malpractice lawyer 1) to protect your rights 2) to make sure you get the medical treatment you may need even if you cannot pay for it up-front 3) to negotiate with insurance carriers to make sure you get the compensation necessary to help you and your family recover and get your life back on track as soon as possible.