Prostate Cancer Claims – An Overview

Men undergoing treatment for prostate cancer could be given far less radiotherapy, a major trial has found. Doses can be cut by three-quarters meaning five higher doses are enough, instead of the 20 or so given now. Prostate Cancer UK said the finding had the potential to save time and money for the NHS, while still giving men the best outcomes.

What is prostate cancer?

The prostate is a small gland in the pelvis and is part of the male reproductive system.

It’s located between the penis and the bladder and surrounds the urethra. The main function of the prostate is to produce a thick white fluid that creates semen when mixed with the sperm produced by the testicles.

The cause of prostate cancer is largely unknown. Certain things can increase your risk of developing cancer. The chance of developing the cancer increases as you get older, most cases develop in men aged 50 or older. Men whose fathers or brothers were affected by prostate cancer are at slightly increased risk themselves. Recent research also suggests that obesity increases the risk of prostate cancer.

Treatments for prostate cancer:

Some cases are only diagnosed at a later stage, when the cancer has spread. If the cancer spreads to other parts of the body and cannot be cured, treatment is focused on prolonging life and relieving symptoms.

All treatment options carry the risk of significant side effects, including erectile dysfunction and urinary symptoms, such as needing to use the toilet more urgently or more often. For this reason, you may choose to delay treatment until there’s a risk the cancer might spread.

Newer treatments, such as high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and cryotherapy, aim to reduce these side effects. Some hospitals may offer them as an alternative to surgery, radiotherapy or hormone therapy. However, the long-term effectiveness of these treatments is not known yet.

Prostate cancer claims for negligent treatment

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, it can be one of the hardest things to hear. The treatment you receive should be of the highest quality.

Delays in identifying cancer and treating it can have life-changing consequences. If you have been affected by negligent treatment you may be able to bring a claim for medical negligence.

When initially symptoms are missed, the window of opportunity for early treatment and recovery can be delayed. A late diagnosis can lead to more severe forms of treatment and severe consequences for your health which otherwise could have been minimised. Your GP may not have made a referral when he or she should have, a scan may have been misinterpreted or delayed or symptoms misunderstood. Also, you may have been given incorrect advice about the status of your cancer which can all bring a basis for a claim.