A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that among malpractice suits for missed and delayed diagnoses, breast and colorectal cancers were the most common.
We're accustomed to human error on the part of patients, but it's important to remember that doctors are human, too. When it comes to cancer, an honest mistake can have devastating results. So why not give your doctor a hand?
Diagnosis Tip #1: Talk about Colon Cancer Screening
Age is the number one risk factor for colon cancer, so encouraging patients to get screened, even in the absence of symptoms, is common practice. But, if you're 50 or older and your doctor doesn't bring up colon cancer screening, you should.Diagnosis Tip #2: Discuss Your Screening Options
A colon cancer diagnosis can be obtained via a variety of screening tests. Each has benefits and limitations, so it's important to question your doctor about the test she recommends.For example, a colonoscopy lets you see the whole colon, while a sigmoidoscopy only shows the lower portion; but a sigmoidoscopy is cheaper and less invasive. A barium enema is even less invasive and lets you see polyps, but it doesn't let you remove them. And a fecal occult blood test is the cheapest and least invasive test, but it's also the least reliable.
So when your doctor recommends a screening test, just ask why she chose that particular one. And remember: If you're unsatisfied with the response, you can always get a second opinion. Just try to do it quickly.
Diagnosis Tip #3: Discuss the Follow-Up Plan
If your screening results indicate that further tests are necessary, ask your doctor for specifics. What are the possibilities? What tests does he plan to do? How soon should you come back? If the doctor says ASAP, tell the receptionist ASAP when making your appointment. If they can't fit you in for a while, ask for a copy of your test results (yes, you're entitled) and make an appointment with another doctor for follow-up. If the second doctor's follow-recommendation differs, find out why.If it sounds like too much trouble, consider this: According to the study mentioned earlier, a delayed cancer diagnosis resulted from inappropriate follow-up in almost half of the malpractice suits.
Diagnosis Tip #4: Relay Your Full Medical History
Think your sister's ovarian cancer is irrelevant? Think again. Family history can have a significant impact on your colon cancer risk. A diagnosis of colorectal cancer, polyps, or various other cancers (including ovarian) can all increase your risk of developing colon cancer.Certain elements of your personal medical history (like polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, and certain cancers) and lifestyle choices (like smoking and drinking) are also relevant. And of course, it's important to tell your doctor if you've experienced any colon cancer symptoms.
Your doctor may not ask everything she needs to know. The more information you provide, the better her chances of reaching an accurate and timely diagnosis.
Diagnosis Tip #5: Trust Your Gut
One thing having a rare spinal tumor taught me was to trust my instincts. My symptoms were screwy and as time passed, I began to wonder if it was all in my head. I began to think that maybe there wasn't anything wrong with me at all. But eventually, the right diagnostic tests led to the right diagnosis, and I received the treatment I needed.If you think there's something wrong with you and your doctor says otherwise, get a second opinion, and a third if necessary. Don't worry about hurting your regular doctor's feelings. He'll get over it. And if he doesn't, it's time to change doctors anyway.
Sources:
- Gandhi, T. and Kachalia, A. "Missed and Delayed Diagnoses in the Ambulatory Setting: A Study of Closed Malpractice Claims." Annals of Internal Medicine 145.7 (3 Oct. 2006): 488-496. 6 Oct. 2006 [http://www.annals.org/cgi/content/abstract/145/7/488?ct=ct].
- Colorectal Cancer Screening: Questions and Answers. Cancer Information Network. 3 Apr. 2002. 23 Jun. 2006 [http://www.cancerlinksusa.com/colorectal/screening_qa/index.asp].
- Detailed Guide: Colon and Rectum Cancer: What Are the Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer? American Cancer Society. 7 Mar. 2006. 23 Jun. 2006 [http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_2X_What_are_the_risk_factors_for_colon_and_rectum_cancer.asp].
- Overview: Colon and Rectum Cancer: What Causes Colorectal Cancer? American Cancer Society. 15 Mar. 2006. 23 Jun. 2006 [http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_2_2X_What_causes_colorectal_cancer.asp?sitearea=].
