Colon cancer is a type of cancer that affects the large intestine (colon), which is located at the bottom of the digestive system. Rectal cancer is cancer of the colon’s last six inches. They are referred to collectively as colorectal cancers. Nearly 150,000 men and women are diagnosed with colorectal cancer in the United States each year. Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer, can affect both men and women and is the second most lethal type of cancer in the United States. Colon cancer is treatable with proper screening and diagnosis. It is even preventable in many cases.
Unfortunately, many patients suffer as a result of a doctor’s negligence. Cancer is sometimes diagnosed too late, which can result in a much worse prognosis. If you believe you have been harmed as a result of a failure to diagnose colon cancer, contact the medical malpractice lawyers at DeFrancisco & Falgiatano for a free case evaluation. Our experienced cancer malpractice attorneys may be able to assist patients in seeking accountability and fair compensation for colon cancer misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. We have offices in several convenient locations throughout Upstate New York. Our extensive experience in the field of medical malpractice is reflected in the outcomes we have obtained for our clients.
Colon cancer frequently begins as a small, noncancerous group of cells known as polyps. These cells develop within the colon. These polyps can become cancerous over time. Because the polyps are small, they do not cause many symptoms. Most doctors recommend annual cancer screenings to detect and remove polyps before they develop into cancer. The removal of a polyp before it becomes malignant prevents the polyp from developing into colorectal cancer. This is why procedures like colonoscopy can help prevent the development of colorectal cancer. Furthermore, colonoscopy allows colorectal cancer to be detected early before it has spread to other organs or tissue in the body. The difference in outcome is significant. The National Cancer Institute reports five-year survival rates of more than 90% when cancer is detected before it spreads and, tragically, less than 10% when cancer is detected after it has spread.