Cancer treatment and causation

Abstract

A series of three articles exploring medicolegal issues arising out of the detection and treatment of cancer. The treatment of cancer involves several different specialists and, in the majority of cancer services in the UK, patients with cancer are seen by a multidisciplinary team. After the diagnosis of cancer has been confirmed by histological examination which shows the type and grade of the cancer, further tests are usually needed to determine the extent and spread of the tumour, i.e. the stage. Many cancers have already spread before the diagnosis can be made, even if the metastases cannot be detected at the time of the initial diagnosis. Many cancers are therefore not curable even though there is no indication of spread from the initial tests. Therefore, an unwarranted delay in diagnosis may not result in a poorer prognosis, although it is clearly important to give treatment at the earliest opportunity to reduce the possibility of spread. This article outlines the basic knowledge required by a clinical negligence practitioner when considering a potential oncology claim.