Physicians not keeping up-to-date in spotting cancer: UK study

A new study out of the United Kingdom about doctors and their knowledge at identifying cancer is concerning.

Delayed diagnosis of cancer can have a combination of factors, including patients not seeking help or advice if they are ill, or lack of awareness of the symptoms of different types of cancer. However, part of the blame does lie on some doctors who are relying on their training that was years earlier, before new developments have come about.

According to the study, among 14 major countries ranked for their cancer diagnosis and treatment, Britain ranked only 11 for care of women and 12 for care of men. The researchers reported that proper identification and diagnosis of cancer could save almost 11,000 lives per year.

What does this mean? It means that more needs to be done to make the public aware of cancer issues and doctors need to be more aware of the need to keep as up-to-date as possible in cancer education.

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Tags: cancer blog, spotting cancer, cancer diagnosis, cancer treatment, cancer education