How Younger Cancer Cases Can Spur Misdiagnosis

More cancer cases are being diagnosed in younger adults—those under age 50, 40, and sometimes even younger. Receiving an “early onset” cancer diagnosis is often surprising, since the median age for cancer is age 66.

What are early onset cancers?

Early onset cancers are cancers that are diagnosed in individuals at a younger age than is typical for that particular type of cancer. This can vary depending on the type of cancer, but generally, early onset cancers occur in people under the age of 50. These cancers can be of particular concern because they may have different characteristics and implications compared to cancers diagnosed later in life.

Here are some critical components of early onset cancers:

• Common types: Some cancers more likely to be diagnosed at an early age include breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and certain types of leukemia and lymphoma.
• Genetic factors: Early onset cancers are often associated with genetic predispositions. Mutations in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 (for breast and ovarian cancer) and Lynch syndrome (for colorectal cancer) can increase the risk of developing cancer at a younger age.
• Lifestyle and environmental factors: Diet, physical activity, exposure to tobacco smoke and certain chemicals, and other lifestyle choices can contribute to the risk of developing cancer early.
• Screening and prevention: For individuals with a family history of certain cancers or known genetic mutations, earlier and more frequent screenings may be recommended. Preventive measures, such as lifestyle changes and prophylactic surgeries, should also be considered.
• Prognosis and treatment: The prognosis for early onset cancers can vary. In some cases, younger patients may respond better to treatment and have better outcomes. Unfortunately, early onset cancers can also be more aggressive. Treatment plans need to be tailored to the individual, considering their age, overall health, and specific type of cancer.
• Psychosocial impact: Receiving a cancer diagnosis at a young age can have significant psychological and social impacts. It can affect personal and professional life, mental health, and long-term planning. Support systems and counseling are often vital for younger cancer patients.

Understanding early onset cancers involves recognizing the unique challenges and considerations in diagnosis, treatment, and support for younger patients facing these diseases.

Are certain early onset cancers sometimes misdiagnosed?

The symptoms of early onset cancers can sometimes be overlooked or misdiagnosed because they are less common in younger individuals. Early detection can be challenging, making awareness and appropriate screening important.

Certain early onset cancers are more prone to misdiagnosis. This can happen for several reasons, including the rarity of cancer in younger individuals, the overlap of symptoms with more common benign conditions, and a general lack of suspicion among healthcare providers.

Here are some examples of early onset cancers that are often misdiagnosed and the reasons why:

• Breast Cancer: Breast cancer is less common in women under 40, leading to lower suspicion and delays in diagnostic imaging like mammograms. It is often misdiagnosed as benign breast conditions such as fibrocystic breast disease or cysts, especially in younger women.
• Colorectal Cancer: Colorectal cancer is typically associated with older adults. Symptoms like abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and rectal bleeding in younger individuals are often attributed to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hemorrhoids, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
• Ovarian Cancer: Ovarian cancer is relatively rare in younger women. It is frequently misdiagnosed as gastrointestinal issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or urinary tract infections due to non-specific symptoms like bloating, pelvic pain, and frequent urination.
• Leukemia and Lymphoma: These cancers can present with symptoms that mimic less serious and more common illnesses, especially in young adults and adolescents. Symptoms such as fatigue, fever, night sweats, and enlarged lymph nodes can be misattributed to infections, mononucleosis, or autoimmune diseases.
• Melanoma: Skin cancer is less common in younger people, leading to a lower index of suspicion, especially if there is no family history or significant sun exposure. Early signs like atypical moles or skin lesions can be mistaken for benign skin conditions like warts, cysts, or other non-cancerous skin growths.
• Sarcomas: Sarcomas are rare and often not considered in initial diagnoses for younger individuals presenting with musculoskeletal complaints. Symptoms such as bone pain, swelling, or a palpable mass can be mistaken for sports injuries, growing pains, or benign bone tumors.

Preventing misdiagnosis involves increasing awareness among healthcare providers about the possibility of cancer in younger patients, especially those with persistent, unexplained symptoms or a family history of cancer. Improved diagnostic protocols, patient education, and access to appropriate screening and genetic testing can also help in early and accurate diagnosis.

Could a cancer misdiagnosis be considered medical malpractice?

A cancer misdiagnosis could potentially be considered medical malpractice, depending on the circumstances. Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional provides substandard care that deviates from accepted medical practices and causes harm to the patient. In the case of a cancer misdiagnosis, this could involve:

• Failure to diagnose: If a doctor fails to recognize symptoms of cancer and does not order appropriate tests or referrals, it could be considered negligence if another competent doctor would have made the diagnosis under similar circumstances.
• Delayed diagnosis: A delayed diagnosis might be considered malpractice if it results from a doctor’s failure to follow up on suspicious findings, misinterpreting test results, or not ordering timely diagnostic tests.
• Misdiagnosis as another condition: If a doctor incorrectly diagnoses cancer symptoms as another, less serious condition, leading to inappropriate treatment or lack of necessary cancer treatment, it may be grounds for a malpractice claim.
• Errors in diagnostic testing: Mistakes made during the testing process, such as errors in biopsy, pathology, or imaging interpretations, can contribute to misdiagnosis. If these errors result from negligence or failure to adhere to standard procedures, they could constitute malpractice.

Prompt diagnosis can mean the difference between life and death when it comes to early onset cancer. At McGowan, Hood, Felder Phillips, LLP, we understand how devastating a cancer misdiagnosis cam be, especially for a younger person. If you have suffered an injury as a result of medical malpractice due to an early onset cancer misdiagnosis, call us or fill out our contact form to schedule your free initial consultation with a skilled medical malpractice attorney today.