Delays and misdiagnoses early on can sometimes make the ultimate difference in a person’s cancer journey
A cancer diagnosis is already a harrowing ordeal, but when it comes after weeks or even months of missed symptoms, wrong diagnoses, and medical oversights, the toll on mental health is immense. These setbacks can drastically alter the effectiveness of treatment, and time is of the essence for those who are diagnosed early enough to receive it.
To mark Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, Charlotte Measures, a specialist at Higgs LLP, emphasised the crucial role that swift detection and action play in combating the disease, and how patients can assure they get the treatment they deserve. She has seen first-hand the heart-wrenching effects of delayed or incorrect treatments on patients and their loved ones.
Charlotte shared: “As a medical negligence solicitor, I’ve witnessed the devastating consequences delayed diagnoses or incorrect treatments can have on individuals and their families. When it comes to cervical cancer, early diagnosis and prompt treatment can truly save lives.”
She is calling on everyone with a cervix to keep up with regular cervical screening appointments. This advice stands regardless of HPV vaccination status or symptoms. These screenings can detect cervical cancer at an early stage, often before any signs are noticeable.
Being diagnosed at this early stage has a five-year relative survival rate of 91%. However, once it spreads to another part of the body, which is typically when symptoms appear, this drops to a chilling 19% according to the National Cancer Institute.
Even regular screening can’t always guarantee early diagnosis, as one expert highlighted: “Cervical cancer can be misdiagnosed, even with a screening, which is why ongoing awareness and care are critical. Misdiagnosis isn’t confined to screening errors; it can also result from clinicians not fully investigating symptoms…especially as the NHS faces increasing financial and time pressures.
“For women, it’s essential to trust your instincts and persist in seeking answers if something feels wrong. For clinicians, every symptom and test result must be approached with care and diligence. Early and accurate diagnosis saves lives, making thorough investigations and clear communication at every stage is non-negotiable in the fight against cervical cancer.”
Symptoms such as unexpected vaginal bleeding, unusual discharge, lumps, growths or pain can be early indicators of cervical cancer. Charlotte urged anyone experiencing any of these symptoms to contact their doctor, reassuring: “Nine times out of 10, it’s probably not going to be cancer. There are unfortunately a lot of different issues that can give you gynaecological symptoms–some more serious than others. However, the important thing is to get checked.”
Higgs LLP research has uncovered a shocking statistic that one in four gynaecological issues faced by women are misdiagnosed. Driving the point home, Charlotte stressed: “If something doesn’t feel right, visit your doctor. If they turn you down, see another. Keep asking. Keep pushing. I think humans have a great ability to recognise when something isn’t quite right.”
