The National Audit of Cancer Diagnosis revealed that men wait longer for a prostate cancer diagnosis – in fact an average of 55 days. The average for breast cancer in women is 14 days. Currently there is no national screening process for prostate cancer.
What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer can develop when cells in the prostate start to grow in an uncontrolled way.
For some men it can be present and never cause any problems. However, others may develop prostate cancer that is more likely to spread, so it needs treatment.
It’s more common in:
- Black men
- Men over 50
- Men whose father or brother have had it
There are various ways to test for prostate cancer from physical examination, to scans and biopsy. Because it can be slow to develop, there are different approaches to treatment:
- Regular monitoring of slow-growing prostate cancer that has few symptoms
- Surgery to remove the prostate
- Radiotherapy
- Permanent seed brachytherapy – radioactive seed implants to destroy cancer cells
- Ultrasound treatment
- Hormone therapy
- Cryotherapy – using extreme cold to destroy the cancer cells
- Chemotherapy – usually for advanced prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
Prostate Cancer UK has a wealth of information, including risks and symptoms of prostate cancer.
When can you make a prostate cancer claim?
To make a claim for medical negligence, you need to be able to prove you have been failed by the medical system:
- GP failure to examine or refer you for appropriate tests
- Misdiagnosis of another condition
- Inaccurate reading of test results
- Failure to establish the ‘stage’ of the cancer
- Bad advice or lack of advice on treatment options
- Late diagnosis allowed the cancer to spread
How can First4Lawyers help?
Our expert medical negligence solicitors know the ins and outs of cases like these. Medical negligence cases are often complicated when it comes to providing evidence – we’ll put you in touch with solicitors who have the relevant legal expertise to build a successful medical negligence claim.
How much compensation will I receive?
That very much depends on your individual circumstances and how you’ve been affected.
Amounts are calculated based on aspects like the pain and suffering you’ve experienced, how your future might be affected, and any financial losses you’ve incurred.
Is there a time limit for making a claim?
You have three years from the ‘date of knowledge’ to make a claim. This means either the date the negligent action happened, or the date you became aware of it.
I think I have a claim, what do I do next?
Get in touch with us for a free consultation. We’ll ask you about your situation and advise you of your next possible steps.
We don’t pressurise or cold-call, we simply talk you through your options.
