Delay in Diagnosis of Cancer
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in America. But over the past decade, tremendous advances have been made in diagnosing and treating various types of cancer, resulting in prolonged life or—in some cases—a cure. These results, however, depend greatly on timely recognition, diagnosis and treatment. Delays in cancer diagnoses could be due to a clinician’s failure to accurately read pathology results; failure to accurately read radiology imaging, such as ultrasounds, chest x-rays, mammograms, CT scans or MRIs; or failure to suspect cancers or order the proper tests due to a patient’s symptoms. These life-threatening errors could cost patients their most valuable resource: time with their loved ones.
