Tag: cancer

Medical Negligence for cancer waiting times

NHS

Medical negligence for cancer waiting times could be set to rise with news of worsening problems for patients waiting for treatment.

Figures from last year revealed some disturbing facts about the issues for cancer waiting times for the NHS in England. Although this isn’t a blight on the incredibly hardworking staff who are fighting an uphill battle against a lack of staff and resources, patients are at risk of harm.

It’s important to recognise the risks faced by patients. Increased risks ultimately mean the likelihood for the need for medical negligence claims rising. When it comes to a matter a serious as cancer, something needs to be done.

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Recall in relation to valsartan cancer risk

drugs issues

There’s been a recall during the summer over valsartan cancer risks that have been identified. A recall has been triggered by regulators.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has been involved in the recall process. The recall has been triggered over impurities originating from the manufacturing process in China. The impurities are understood to be linked to cancer.

Patients using heart medications that contain valsartan are being asked to speak to their doctor or pharmacist ASAP.

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Delayed cancer diagnosis compensation on the rise

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Delayed cancer diagnosis compensation claims could be set to increase. Recent figures have shown some of the worst referral rates on records, leaving patients at risk.

As a result of the continual NHS funding crisis, staff shortages for cancer care is apparently commonplace. Very few departments can reportedly boast that they have enough staff to properly help people, and the problem is only going to get worse.

Adding on external factors that increase the demand for cancer care, there’s every reason why patients should be worried.

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HPV vaccine reduces cervical cancer

care laws

It’s understood that the HPV vaccine reduces cervical cancer, with a decrease of 86% seen in women aged between 16 to 21.

The recent government reports states that vaccinations to defend against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) 16 and 18 infections is working. These infections are known to cause the majority of cervical cancer cases.

The information published over the summer in the Journal of Infectious Diseases is welcome news. The data suggest that the HPV vaccination programme will lead to significant reductions in cervical cancer cases arising in the future.

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Is cancer patient care leading to increased suicide risk?

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Issues over the quality of cancer patient care is a real issue right now. But is there a link to increased risks of suicide that’s caused by inadequate care?

A recent government study found that cancer patients can be at an increased risk of suicide. The increased risk may be as high as 20%.

It sounds feasible to link cancer patients to an increased risk of suicide given what they have to go through. But when we’re seeing more and more issues arising over inadequate cancer patient care and funding constraints, is there a link?

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Next generation of personalised cancer treatment on the horizon

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It’s understood that the next generation of personalised cancer treatment is on the horizon after recent study results showed increased survival rates for incurable cancers.

Scientists and medical professionals have been using personalised methods to target genes for hard-to-treat tumours, and the results are said to have worked wonders.

Personalised cancer treatment is already a method used by the NHS for cancer patients, but Oncologists are now calling for cancer patients to receive this “next generation” of sequencing so they can identify the drug best suited to their individual needs as soon as possible.

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The £175 genetic “Angelina Jolie” cancer test is the perfect example of prevention over treatment

drugs issues

Offering the £175 genetic “Angelina Jolie” cancer test to patients is the perfect example of how prevention over treatment can really save lives.

As we practically say in almost every single article we write, we’re aware that the NHS does not have a bottomless pit of money, and funding and resources are both a real problem right now. But, studies have confirmed that offering the cancer test that was made famous when Hollywood actress, Angelina Jolie, helped to raise awareness of a “faulty gene” linked with breast and ovarian cancer, is said to be cost effective.

This is the perfect example of how prevention over treatment should always be the primary focus.

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The Medical Negligence Lawyers call for increased funding for cancer care and treatment

hernia mesh compensation claims

Amidst the need for victims of medical negligence to claim for cancer misdiagnosis, or a lack of diagnosis, the Medical Negligence Lawyers call for increased funding for cancer care and treatment.

The preventative approach must always prevail, and the more that can be done to save lives and spot cancer early, and avoid any incidents of a misdiagnosis or cancer being diagnosed too late, must be at the forefront of the NHS’s mind.

Once cancer is missed and is later diagnosed, for many, the damage is done, and it’s too late to do anything about it. It’s important that more is done to safeguard and secure better funding in an age where funding issues are resulting in a lack of specialised staff available to care for cancer patients.

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Cancer care cuts over lack of staff an “open door to negligence”

care laws

Cancer care cuts over a lack of staff are an “open door to negligence”, Our Medical Negligence Lawyers warn.

Earlier this year, we saw the story of a leading NHS hospital reportedly delaying chemotherapy services for cancer patients, and cutting treatment for terminally-ill patients, as a result of chronic staff shortages.

Whilst we can all appreciate the funding struggles of the NHS right now, we cannot have cases of delayed or reduced treatment that stem from a lack of resources, and something must be done.

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UK Cancer care criticised as survival rates fall short

hernia mesh compensation claims

The UK has reportedly failed to adequately improve on cancer survival rates, according to a global study. Potentially thousands of people are dying as a result of inadequate care when compared to other wealthy countries who are said to be improving at a better rate, leaving Britain behind.

Although survival rates have improved, the UK is falling behind when compared to similar nations.

With patients in Britain said to still be dying earlier when compared with other countries, it seems like we have cause for concern.
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Should good standards of cancer care be made law?

care laws

Missed diagnosis claims, and claims where patients are misdiagnosed, are unfortunately common. One of the biggest problems with such incidents is where the misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis is for something as serious as cancer, where the window of opportunity for cancer care or treatment to start can be very slim.

Unfortunately, in many cancer misdiagnosis or missed cancer diagnosis cases, it’s too late for the victim by the time the error is recognised.

Because of this, some say that good quality cancer care should be introduced as law in the UK. But, will it help?
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