Making a blood cancer negligence claim
Jade Scoble looks at the issues surrounding blood cancer negligence claims
Blood cancer is caused by changes in DNA within blood cells which causes the blood cells to behave abnormally. Blood cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the UK, with over 41,000 people being diagnosed every year. One in 16 men and one in every 22 women will develop it. There are currently 250,000 people living with blood cancer in the UK.
Types of blood cancer
There are 3 main types of blood cancers: Lymphoma, Leukaemia and Myeloma.
Lymphoma
Lymphoma affects white blood cells called lymphocytes, which are an important part of your immune system. Over 14,000 people are diagnosed with lymphoma each year, making it the most common type of blood cancer.
Common symptoms include;
- Fevers
- Unexplained weight loss
- Night sweats that soak your clothes and bedding
Leukaemia
Leukaemia is a type of blood cancer that affects blood cells in your bone marrow (usually white blood cells). Blood cells are not produced the way they should be, and you could have too many, too few, or you can have blood cells that do not work. There are different types of leukaemia depending on the type of blood cell affected. Some types are slow growing (chronic) and some are fast-growing (acute).
Common symptoms include;
- Fatigue
- Bruising and bleeding more easily
- Repeated infections and high temperatures
- Unexplained weight loss
- Swollen lymph nodes
Myeloma
Myeloma affects white blood cells called plasma cells, which causes it to make antibodies which do not work to fight infections properly. The abnormal cells usually grow more quickly than they should, and this type of blood cancer can affect more than one area of the body. It is more common for men to be diagnosed with myeloma and are usually over the age of 70.
Common symptoms include;
- High calcium levels in the blood
- Renal damage
- Anaemia
- Bone damage
Treatment for blood cancer
Depending on the type of blood cancer and the stage, there can be several different treatments including;
- Watch and wait
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
- Targeted therapies
- Stem cell transplant
Unlike the other two types, myeloma can be treated, however it typically always comes back after a length of time.
Blood cancer negligence claims
It is important to diagnose blood cancer as soon as possible, so that the correct medical treatment can be provided. However this is not always done. Some cancers can be missed, and this can have devastating consequences. Some people also receive a late diagnosis, which could potentially mean that they are unable to undergo treatment that may have been available if the cancer had been detected earlier.
How we can help
If you think that you may have a potential blood cancer negligence claim, please contact our friendly helpline team for a free assessment and details of No Win, No Fee funding. Call us on freephone 0333 888 0412 or email brief details of your case to us in complete confidence at [email protected]