Hours before Kelly Clarkson’s first Grammy Awards, she received devastating news following a recent medical test. The results had come back showing she had cancer. That evening the singer won Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and Best Pop Vocal Album, but the celebration was overshadowed by looming thoughts of an uncertain future. She was only 23 years old at the time and in complete disbelief.
The next day, Clarkson’s doctor told her the results were inaccurate; she had been misdiagnosed. Fortunately, this instance was in her favor, and the mistake was caught quickly. But if the mistake hadn’t been caught right away, how long would she have had to endure the fear and stress of a cancer diagnosis? Potentially she might have embarked on treatment – possibly including surgery or chemotherapy – before the misdiagnosis became clear.
In fact, misdiagnoses of cancer and other diseases are not uncommon. The BMJ, published by the British Medical Association, found that 12 million U.S. adults – or one in 20 – are misdiagnosed while seeking outpatient medical care. The Journal of the American Medical Association published research finding that pathologists incorrectly diagnose one in four breast biopsies. Why does this happen so frequently? Common factors in misdiagnosis include:
- Overscheduling leading to a rushed medical appointment
- Patients not providing detailed medical history
- Incorrect interpretation
- False positive biopsy results
Additionally, misunderstanding of terminology can lead to an incorrect interpretation of a diagnosis. If a routine test such as a Pap or mammogram comes back abnormal, a patient might assume the worst and think they have cancer, even though the abnormality is actually something much less life-altering.
Any serious medical diagnosis deserves a second opinion – especially if it doesn’t seem right. “It is always acceptable to obtain a second opinion, and in the case of a serious diagnosis like cancer, it is recommended,” says Jennifer Haythe, M.D., assistant professor of medicine at Columbia University Medical Center. “You should question any doctor that tries to dissuade you from getting a second opinion.”
Doctors and other medical professionals are well-trained and qualified, but as with any other profession, mistakes are possible. If you’re seeking peace of mind regarding your diagnosis, contact us at SecondOpinions.com for a straightforward review of your records.
