Tennessee residents who have a family member who has been diagnosed with cancer may be interested in a new study that shows that cancer patients who receive detailed information about their diagnosis and prognosis are twice as likely to have a positive outcome as those who are kept in the dark. The study was recently published in an international peer-reviewed journal.
Researchers in the United Kingdom found that the survival rates of cancer patients are impacted by the amount of information they are given. They discovered that patients who understand diagnosis and treatment plan experience the best outcomes. For example, patients who were given written information about their type of cancer were 1.99 times more likely to do well. Researchers also found that providing information about how cancer will change a patient's life is critical. For instance, patients who received details on how their diagnosis will impact their education or employment were 1.72 times more likely to have a good outcome.
However, not all information is helpful. The study also found that patients who were told about treatment side effects were 35 percent less likely to have a good outcome. According to the authors of the study, side effect information can cause fear and stress, which can burden a patient's weakened immune system.
Recent studies have shown that approximately 28 percent of all diagnoses contain an error of some sort. A Tennessee resident who has been harmed by a cancer misdiagnosis may wish to speak with an attorney. In some cases, it may be advisable to file a medical malpractice lawsuit against the doctor who was responsible for the error. A successful claim could bring needed financial compensation for medical expenses and other damages.