Childhood cancer negligence claims
Jade Scoble looks at the issues surrounding childhood cancer negligence claims
Approximately 1,900 children in the UK between the ages of 0 – 14 years old get diagnosed with cancer each year. While it is less common for a child to be diagnosed with cancer than an adult, the occurrence of cancer in children is unavoidable.
Although children usually develop different types of cancers than adults, treatment is usually the same and the cure rate for children’s cancer is much higher than it is for most adult cancers. The childhood cancer survival rate has doubled since the 1960s and more than 8 in 10 children in England now survive cancer for 5 years or more.
The most common types of childhood cancers are;
- Acute Leukaemia
- Cancers of the brain and spinal cord
Children can also suffer with lymphoma, muscle, bone or kidney cancers. It is important to detect cancer in children early, so they can be given treatment such as, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplant.
Symptoms
Symptoms of childhood cancer can sometimes not present straightaway, and they are similar to other childhood illnesses, so it is important to contact a GP if any of the following are occurring;
- Feeling tired all the time
- Unexplained weight loss
- Frequent or unexplained bruising or a rash
- Abdominal pain or swelling that does not go away
- Persistent back or bony pain
- Unexplained seizures
- Feeling short of breath
- Unexplained high temperature and sweating
- An unexplained lump or swelling anywhere on the body
- They are unable to urinate, or have blood in their urine
Childhood cancer negligence claims
Although childhood cancer survival rates have increased, medical negligence can still occur, and this can cause serious or even fatal consequences for the children. Medical delays, misdiagnoses and incorrect treatments can cause the cancer to get worse, or to spread. And when this occurs the family may have an entitlement to bring a medical negligence claim for compensation.
Our specialist medical negligence team are experienced in dealing with these cases. We work on a No Win, No Fee basis and would be happy to provide a free review of your claim.
Free legal helpline
Call us on freephone 0333 888 0412 or email brief details of your case to us in complete confidence at [email protected]