Prostate Cancer is the second most common cancer among Irish men, behind non-melanoma skin cancer, and one in eight Irish men will be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime, according to the Irish Cancer Society.
Early detection, when no obvious symptoms are present, is crucial, and the Irish Cancer Society has called for a national screening programme. Symptoms include pain when passing urine, a slow flow of urine, trouble stopping or starting the flow and blood in urine or semen. But none of these symptoms may be present.
What Constitutes Cancer Medical Negligence?
Any patient presenting with symptoms of cancer to their GP, A&E or any other point of entry into the health system should be referred for follow-up assessment. If cancer is found, a treatment plan must then be urgently put in place and commenced.
There are a number of scenarios which may be deemed as medically negligent when it comes to cancer:
Failure to spot signs and symptoms of cancer
Not referring to a specialist if cancer is suspected
Not being seen within a targeted timescale after referral
Failure to commence treatment within a targeted timescale
No diagnosis (or an incorrect diagnosis) of cancer
Putting in place an incorrect treatment plan
Not monitoring the status of cancer and making appropriate changes to the treatment regime
Errors during surgery
Not explaining the risks of cancer treatment
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