New York Personal Injury Attorneys BlogMarch is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: The Critical Role of Early Detection and the Devastating Impact of Misdiagnosis
March marks Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to educating the public about one of the most preventable yet deadly forms of cancer. Early detection through timely screenings can save lives, but when medical professionals fail to diagnose colorectal cancer in time, the consequences can be devastating. As colon cancer misdiagnosis lawyers, we have seen firsthand how delays in diagnosis or improper medical evaluations lead to advanced-stage cancer, unnecessary suffering, and even wrongful death.
The Importance of Early Detection in Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, yet it is highly treatable when detected early. Medical organizations such as the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) stress the importance of regular screenings, particularly for individuals aged 45 and older or those with a family history of the disease. When properly diagnosed in its early stages, the survival rate for colorectal cancer is significantly higher.
Unfortunately, misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can rob patients of the opportunity for early treatment. Some common failures in medical care that lead to misdiagnosed colon cancer include:
- Ignoring or downplaying symptoms such as rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, or persistent changes in bowel habits.
- Failure to order timely screenings like colonoscopies for high-risk patients.
- Misinterpreting test results, leading to an inaccurate or missed diagnosis.
- Attributing symptoms to less serious conditions, such as hemorrhoids or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), without conducting further tests.
Holding Negligent Medical Professionals Accountable
A missed or delayed diagnosis of colorectal cancer can mean the difference between a curable condition and a terminal one. When doctors fail to follow established screening guidelines or dismiss a patient’s concerns without proper testing, they may be held legally accountable for medical malpractice.
As New York colon cancer misdiagnosis attorneys, we represent patients and families who have suffered due to:
- Failure to order a colonoscopy despite clear risk factors
- Misreading pathology reports or biopsy results
- Incorrectly diagnosing colorectal cancer as a less serious condition
- Delays in referring patients to specialists
Our firm has successfully fought for victims of medical negligence, securing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and wrongful death claims. If you or a loved one suffered due to a delayed colorectal cancer diagnosis, it is essential to seek legal guidance.
Raising Awareness and Advocating for Prevention
In recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, organizations like the ACG provide critical educational resources to help patients and healthcare providers improve early detection rates. Their CRC Community Education Toolkit offers infographics, patient education slides, and social media banners to spread awareness. These materials are available in multiple languages, ensuring that diverse communities have access to life-saving information.
To learn more, visit the American College of Gastroenterology’s website for downloadable materials in English, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, and more.
Legal Help for Colorectal Cancer Misdiagnosis
No one should suffer due to a doctor’s failure to diagnose colorectal cancer in time. If you or someone you love has been harmed by a delayed or misdiagnosed colorectal cancer case, you may have legal options. Contact Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf at 212-943-1090 for a consultation.
This March, let’s work together to raise awareness, push for earlier diagnoses, and hold negligent healthcare providers accountable for failing to detect colorectal cancer when it matters most.
