Cervical Cancer

Cervical Cancer Misdiagnosis – A case involving the misreading of cervical smear slides led to a delay in diagnosis of cervical cancer.

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Cervical cancer can cause various symptoms, which can be different based on the stage and type of cancer. People sometimes do not have any symptoms in the early stages of the disease. Some symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions.  

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In the UK, there is a National Cervical Screening Programme for women aged 25-65. The purpose of the Programme is to detect early changes (called pre-cancerous changes) in the cervix that can lead to cancer. Screening is done by performing a smear test, also known as cervical screening.

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If pre-cancerous changes are detected during routine screening, treatment is simple and effective, and prevents cancer from developing. Routine screening is conducted every few years because pre-cancerous changes usually take a long time to develop into cancer. Screening should detect the changes before cancer develops, or before it becomes advanced.  

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Common symptoms associated with cervical cancer are:

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• Abnormal vaginal bleeding including bleeding between periods, bleeding after sex, bleeding after menopause and heavier periods than normal.
• Pain when urinating or blood in urine.
• Pelvic pain during sex or at other times.
• Pain in the lower back or legs.

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Depending on the stage of the cancer when it is diagnosed, you may need surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or immunotherapy. Early detection, timely intervention, and access to appropriate treatments can improve your outcome and quality of life if you have been diagnosed with cervical cancer.  

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Unfortunately, sometimes a diagnosis of cervical cancer is delayed or missed. This can mean that the cancer spreads and can lead to you needing more treatment or having worsening symptoms. It can also mean that it is no longer possible to cure the cancer. If cervical cancer is not diagnosed and treated early enough, it can sadly lead to the death of a loved one.

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We can help you if you are concerned about:

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• The failure to perform or report a smear test properly.  
• A delay in diagnosis of cancer if GPs or other doctors have failed to refer you or a loved one for investigations after you have complained of symptoms of cancer.
• A missed diagnosis of cancer despite signs, symptoms and test results.
• Failures to perform the correct tests to diagnose cancer.
• Failures to properly report test results or scans.
• Failure to treat the cancer properly, or a delay in treatment.  

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Should you make a claim?

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The impact that a delayed or missed diagnosis of cervical cancer can have on you and your family can be devastating. You may not know what to do or where to turn. We are here to support you and listen to your concerns.  

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We specialise in claims involving delayed or missed diagnosis of cervical cancer, and you will have our specialist expertise and support every step of the way. We will help you to understand what happened, and we can also help you to obtain compensation for treatment, care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other losses you have experienced because of your injuries.