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Colorectal Cancer

Colon Cancer - Rectal Cancer

I have handled too many failure to screen and delayed diagnosis colorectal cancer cases. I say too many, because most colorectal cancers should be caught before they become cancer. Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is a preventable disease. Yet, CRC is the second leading cause of death from cancer.

An estimated 147,000 Americans were diagnosed with CRC in 2006. Approximately 55,000 died.

Medical standards for the past decade have dictated that persons of average risk be screened for CRC starting at the age of 50 years. Studies show, however, that doctors all too frequently fail to provide appropriate screening services. Screening saves lives!

This form of malpractice is by no means restricted to colorectal cancer.  A recent study by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences estimated that as many as 98,000 patients may be killed each year in hospitals alone as a result of medical neglect.

The statistics are even graver outside the hospital setting. In-depth interviews with 53 family physicians revealed that 47% of the doctors recalled at least one case in which the patient died due to physician error.

What is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum (see drawing to the left).

How does CRC develop?

CRC almost always develops from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths).

How common is CRC?

CRC is the second leading cause of cancer death. An estimated 147,000 Americans were diagnosed with CRC in 2006. An estimated 55,000 people died from CRC in 2006.

Are there any screening tests?

The American Cancer Society recommends that average risked persons begin screening at age 50 using one or more of the following methods:

• Yearly Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) (multi-sample take-home test)
  
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years;
• Yearly FOBT plus flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years;
• Double-contrast barium enema every 5 years; or,
• Colonoscopy every 10 years

All positive tests should be followed up with a colonoscopy. Medicare and many if not most insurance plans now cover routine CRC screening.

Are screening tests effective?

If everyone aged 50 years or older were screened regularly, 60% of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented. Screening can find and remove growths before they turn into cancer.

Who is at risk?

Colorectal cancer affects both men and women of all racial and ethnic groups, and is most often found in people aged 50 years or older. A history of gastro-intestinal disease or a family history of CRC may increase your risk. You should consult with your doctor.

Why are so many dying?

Several recent studies showed that less than 50% of physicians provide appropriate CRC screening. A recent CDC study found that nearly 41.8 million average-risk Americans have not received appropriate screening.

Do I have a claim?

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with CRC, they or their families may be entitled to substantial compensation.

Resources

• CDC: Centers for Disease Control (http://www.cdc.gov/)
• NIH: National Institutes of Health (http://www.nih.gov/)
• ACS: American Chemical Society (http://portal.acs.org/portal/acs/corg/content)

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