Rare male cancers

Don’t delay seeking treatment if you have new symptoms

The statistics

There are hundreds of different types of cancer. The more common types account for more than half of all diagnosed each year. The types of cancer defined as less common comprise around a quarter of those diagnosed and less than 20% of cancers in the UK are defined as rare ones.

1 in 3 of those rare cancers are very rare types and affect fewer than 1 in 100,000 each year.

The percentage of deaths in the UK from rare cancer is much higher than those diagnosed with a more common type.

The types of cancer which are rare can include:

The symptoms of cancer are varied. Many can start from a lump in the area affected, for example:

From the perspective of diagnosis, it may seem an obvious thing to say but make sure you know your own body and can identify what is normal for you. If you are unsure about anything then be sure to have it checked out. There are many different symptoms for various types of cancer, it is best to consult a doctor.

Steps to diagnosis

This article is not intended to be a diagnosis for cancers but to highlight the many different symptoms which can materialize. It is important if you notice any changes, or if you are feeling unwell, to speak to someone medically qualified to reassure you or arrange a referral.

With most cancer, early detection and treatment can lead to a much better outcome.

The next step after seeing a doctor will most likely be a referral to a specialist by your GP. You will likely need tests and you may be examined by more than one specialist. There are several tests for cancers, the most common being a biopsy of the area where a small piece of tissue is removed and examined.

This can not only help in diagnosing the cancer but give your doctors information about the cell the cancer developed from. This can help them to plan the best treatment.

Getting treatment

Treatment can vary, there are hundreds of different types which can involve surgery to remove the tumour or chemotherapy/radiotherapy. Often there will be a team of people who will treat you and work together – called a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT). These experts all liaise and meet to discuss cases.

Sadly, there are times when things go wrong. This can be at the early stage with your GP or at hospital.

A GP could fail to suspect cancer and delay referring the patient to the appropriate experts. The hospital may be to blame for a delay in tests or failing to interpret the tests properly and therefore referring on for treatment or even a delay in treatment Luckily, situations like this are quite rare, however, if you feel that you have a possible claim you would like to discuss, we have extensive expertise in dealing with all types of cancer claims.

Our expert Medical Negligence team can help you with your possible claim and consider this on a no win no fee basis after an initial risk assessment. We will look at your case sympathetically and take you and your loved ones through each step, supporting you and your family through what is a difficult time.

For further details contact Medical Negligence Specialist, Simon Bransby via [email protected] or call 01603 214 220.