Cancer Awareness

As we emerge from a global pandemic, it is with a feeling of great relief and gratitude that we are now able to return to a sense of normality and despite surging rates of Covid-19, the knowledge gained by scientists and healthcare services in the last 2 years, coupled with the vaccination program, have ameliorated the worse effects of the virus making it less of a threat, and an aspect of daily life that we are having to learn to accommodate.

However, a new threat faces those who have been unable to access cancer screening services during the pandemic or have chosen not to emerge from isolation and visit their GP for fear of contracting the virus.

Cancer Research UK estimate that the disruption to cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment during the Covid-19 pandemic led to more than 45,000 fewer people starting cancer treatment in the first 12 months of the pandemic alone – the so called ‘missing cancer patients’ – but the true figure may never be known. The ‘cancer crisis’ is one of the potential lasting legacies of the pandemic

Delay in diagnosis of most cancers can lead to a reduction in the treatment options available and less favourable outcomes both in the short and long term.

A diagnosis of cancer is a stressful and sometimes life-threatening event, and for those involved, it is often a priority to provide for loved ones by recovering damages when things have gone wrong.

At Roper James Solicitors, we are often contacted by patients or their bereaved relatives to discuss concerns with cancer diagnosis and treatment delays. We can help investigate the diagnostic pathways and the standard of treatment provided to recover compensation for those missed opportunities.