Misdiagnosis of Back Pain Turns Out to Be Cancer
- 27-year-old Latifah King in England was misdiagnosed with back pain in October, and in early February she was diagnosed with cancer; King passed away a week after her diagnosis.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has led to many delays in doctor’s visits and screenings; it’s important to continue cancer screenings through COVID.
- Our experts recommend being “pushy” when necessary and to come to each doctor’s appointment with a plan.
Related: New Hope for People with a Rare Type of Cancer Called Epithelioid Sarcoma
Read MoreCancer Through COVID-19
Epithelioid sarcoma is a rare cancer that occurs in the soft tissue. Most cases start in the tissue of a finger, hand, or forearm, or in the leg or foot, where it began for King. “Her family claimed it was the lack of opportunity to see a doctor in person in October and November that delayed an accurate diagnosis,” reports the BBC. By the time King was diagnosed, it was too late to start treatment for her disease.
For those fighting cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic, the emotional stress can feel overwhelming, due to the extra precautions being taken. Cancer patients, in particular, should exercise caution because some treatments such as chemotherapy can lead to an immunocompromised state, making you more susceptible to disease.
It's Important To Continue Cancer Screenings Through COVID-19
Being an Advocate For Your Health
It can be difficult to speak up for yourself in doctor’s appointments, but doing so could be life-saving. It’s important to voice your concern and continue seeking answers and multiple opinions if you feel you’re not being properly diagnosed.
Dr. Zuri Murrell, a colorectal surgeon at Cedars-Sinai, said in a previous interview, “It’s important to know that while we have guidelines– OK– guidelines, especially in this country are meant to take care and do the right thing for the largest number of people, but it’s also with the littlest use of resources. And that’s the truth.”
“The truth is you have to be in tune with your body, and you realize that you are not the statistic,” says Dr. Murrell. “That’s why it’s important for you to actually educate yourself and be your own health care advocate. And that’s something that I think is really important. You should lead each doctor’s appointment with a plan.”
Be Pushy, Be Your Own Advocate… Don't Settle
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