Charity raises awareness for research into childhood cancers
- 02.09.2016
- HannahBottomley
- Clinical-negligence, Opinion, Clinical-negligence, Opinion
During September, organisations all over the country will be taking part in childhood cancer month, an opportunity to raise awareness and vital funds for research into childhood cancers and possible treatments.
Here at PotterReesDolan we are supporting this cause and will be taking a look at the various aspects of childhood cancers throughout the whole of September.
Today I have read the incredibly moving story of Saul Chapman told by his dad, Toby. I warn you now, this is a very moving and emotional piece and there wasn’t a dry eye in our office once we had all finished reading it.
Toby’s love and admiration for his son’s hard fought battle against a rare childhood cancer is clear throughout his story and whilst Saul was unfortunately diagnosed with a rare cancer which had poor survival rates. However, one of the issues which caused me concern was the lack of awareness on the part of the GP and initially those doctors in A&E who failed to recognise that something serious was going on and instead left Saul and his family having to go back and forth before he was eventually diagnosed.
I do not know whether earlier diagnosis and treatment could have led to a different outcome for Saul however it is well recognised that the earlier caner is detected the better the chances of survival.
I hope that childhood cancer month will help raise awareness not only in the general public but also within healthcare professionals and that delays in diagnosing such cancers reduce.