PIVOTAL THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT COLON CANCER
The American Cancer Society categorizes colorectal cancer as the third most common cancer type in the United States at present, with thousands of people diagnosed every year. It recommends adults get screened regularly so that the disease is caught as quickly as possible, increasing the chances of survival.
Invariably, the colon cancer survival rate will automatically decrease for folks who have been misdiagnosed or become victims of medical malpractice. According to professionals at https://rmfwlaw.com/, turning to expert lawyers can help them get justice in such cases.
But before delving into how cancer lawyers can help victims of medical negligence get their due justice, take a quick look at some fundamental aspects of colorectal cancer.
Symptoms and stages
The colon, also often called the large intestine, is the organ where the human body draws out salt and water from solid waste. The remnant waste then makes its way out of the body through the anus. When these essential parts have abnormal growth of cells, it is called colorectal cancer.
The most typical symptoms of this cancer include the following.
- Constipation, diarrhea, and abnormal stools
- Rectal bleeding
- Blood in the stools that makes it appear dark
- A constant urge to defecate
- Irritable bowel
- Abdominal cramps and pain
- Bloating or gastric issues
- Exhaustion and weakness
- Anemia and inexplicable weight loss
The stages of colorectal cancer are gauged from stage zero to stage four, with four being the severest form of the ailment. Stage zero is a very early one where cancer has not spread past the inner colon layer and is highly treatable. Stages one and two are where it has spread to the subsequent tissues, eventually reaching the outer layers of the intestine. Stage three is when it has affected the lymph nodes.
The most critical stage is stage four, when cancer has spread past the outer colon walls and into the surrounding tissues. It will eventually spread to the other body parts as this stage progresses.
Survival rate
Typically, the colon cancer survival rate is around five years based on the outcomes of people who have suffered this particular type of disease. Over ninety percent of patients make it past this five-year mark in localized or less severe cases. But in the harshest of cases, approximately fourteen percent make it that far.
However, the exact estimate varies from person to person as no two people have the same stage or severity of cancer. Also, different people respond differently to treatment and care, further influencing the survival rate.
Your doctors can give you a more accurate estimate as they are familiar with your case history, the treatment plan, and are monitoring responses.
How cancer lawyers can help
People are misdiagnosed or neglected by medical practitioners on a large scale every day, drastically reducing their survival chances. In such tragic circumstances, it is advisable to seek the counsel of expert cancer lawyers with tremendous experience in medical malpractice cases.
These reputable and reliable lawyers can conduct an independent investigation into the case, gather all the evidence, and ensure you get a fair share of the settlement to compensate for the physical, emotional, mental, and financial trauma you experienced.
Ideally, you should find lawyers who offer free consultation initially, pay you personal attention, represent you in court, and never settle the case until you get your due.
