January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. According to the National Cervical Cancer Awareness Coalition (NCCAC), approximately 14,000 women are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer in the U.S. each year. Like all cancer, cervical cancer has the potential to be deadly. However, due to vaccination and screening efforts, this form of the disease has become highly preventable.
Cervical Cancer Statistics
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that nearly 200,000 women are diagnosed with cervical precancer each year. Approximately 11,000 are diagnosed with this form of cancer caused by HPV. Further, over 4,000 women die of cervical cancer every year.
Cervical Cancer and HPV
At one time, cervical cancer was one of the leading causes of cancer death for U.S. women. However, with improved screening efforts and the development of a vaccine for human papillomavirus (HPV), it has become one of the easiest to prevent. Statistics show that approximately 79 million people have HPV, and an estimated 14,000 are infected yearly. Many of those with HPV are teens and young adults. HPV can cause cervical as well as other forms of cancer.
Fortunately, HPV vaccination can help prevent individuals from becoming infected. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that HPV vaccination can help prevent 90% of the cancers caused by HPV, including cancer. of the cervix The CDC recommends HPV vaccination for routine vaccination beginning at age 11 or 12 years. The vaccination is offered in a two or three-dose series, depending on the patient’s age.
Cervical Cancer Screening and Detection
According to the CDC, this form of cancer is the only type of cancer caused by HPV that can be detected early by a recommended screening test. The other types of cancer caused by HPV may not be detected until they cause more serious health problems.” Like other cancers, the sooner cervical cancer is detected, the sooner the patient can undergo potentially life-saving treatment. Conversely, when a patient’s cervical cancer remains undiagnosed, it can be detrimental to their chances of recovery and survival. Therefore, early screening, detection, and treatment of cervical cancer are vital.
Missed Cervical Cancer Diagnoses
Women rely on their gynecologists and other medical professionals to properly evaluate their health. This means entrusting these individuals to identify potential issues, order appropriate testing, and make an accurate diagnosis promptly. A doctor or other medical professional’s missed or delayed cervical cancer diagnosis could greatly diminish a cancer patient’s likelihood of survival or improved outcome.
When a provider’s negligence delays or prevents cancer detection, the patient may be deprived of life-saving or life-extending care. Under these circumstances, a person with cancer may have suffered grievous and irreparable harm and have a claim that their provider’s negligence diminished their chance of recovery.
If you or a loved one has suffered a missed or delayed cervical cancer diagnosis, you may be able to seek compensation. However, these medical negligence cases are complicated, and you will want to work with an experienced New York medical malpractice attorney. Your New York medical malpractice lawyer can assist you with assessing and presenting your missed cancer diagnosis medical malpractice case.
Contact an Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorney
At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we believe that every person with cancer deserves a full opportunity for early detection, early treatment, and complete cure. When someone is denied the opportunity for a complete cure, we fight zealously to protect and advance their legal rights. We fight for expedited discovery schedules and expedited trials on behalf of cancer survivors who were the victims of delayed diagnosis.
We have successfully fought on behalf of many clients in cases involving a delayed diagnosis of cervical and breast cancer and many other cancers. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a missed or delayed cervical cancer diagnosis and you want the facts of that medical care investigated, you should contact the Med Law team at 1-888-MEDLAW1 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. Se Habla Espaňol. Home and hospital visits are available.