We have represented many victims of cancer delay claims and it never gets easier when we need to help those who have been so badly let down by our National Health Service. The consequences of delays can of course be life threatening.
So the recent news that NHS England has failed to implement guidelines introduced by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in relation to genetic testing for woman at risk of breast and ovarian cancer is disappointing to hear.
According to the reports, NICE recommended changes to NHS policy several years ago in relation to vital genetic testing that could tell women whether they are genetically at risk of developing ovarian and breast cancer. Women with the faulty BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 gene are at a significantly higher risk of developing those types of cancer; with statistics showing that the risk of breast cancer is five times more, and the risk of ovarian cancer is a staggering 30 times more.
The guidelines showed that it was cost effective to test more women with a family history of the faulty gene, and the figures according to media reports say that 6,500 more women could have been tested in the last two years. Because they have not received this vital genetic testing, they do not know whether they have the deadly gene that could leave them at a significant risk of developing barest or ovarian cancer.
Legal Advice
It’s a horrible thing for both the victims and their families to go through when a diagnosis of cancer is received. During this difficult time, if the cancer could have been identified at a much earlier stage, a victim may be entitled to compensation.
We are not just lawyers – we are access to a vital support network for victims and their families and our qualified medical negligence lawyers will fight tooth and nail for the rights of anyone who has been affected by cancer delay.
If you have been specifically affected by the NHS failings to follow the guidelines in relation to genetic testing, we can help you.
We are a real firm of medical negligence lawyers – you can call our helpline for free and friendly advice on 0800 634 7575 today.
