Negligence in Cervical Cancer Detection

The Significance Of The Pap Smear

The Pap smear is a screening test, which has made the early diagnosis of cervical cancer possible. Developed in the early 1940s by New York physician Dr. George Papanicolaou, this test permits the examination of cells removed from the surface of the cervix. Although the use of the Pap smear should virtually eliminate the chances of a woman developing invasive cancer, this year alone, approximately 7,000 women will die of the disease--a disease that is largely preventable.

The Tragedy Of Misread Tests

Because a significant percentage of Pap smears are misread, many women are led to believe that they have no problem, when, in fact, cervical cancer may already be developing. Instead of preventing cancer through early detection, a misread Pap smear actually enables the cancer to grow. In 1989, the American Medical Association documented that 15% to 30% of all Pap smears are misread.

A Need For Vigilance

Over the past several years, investigations conducted by Jerry Meyers and others have confirmed that doctors may be negligent when they take or analyze Pap smear tests, and, as a result, they may begin treatment too late. This negligence is the leading cause of death or disability of clients we have represented. Without greater vigilance, these needless deaths will continue to occur.

Unfortunately, many cases come to our attention too late to prevent death. In proving such cases, we must identify the mistakes that caused our clients' harm. In so doing, we hope to make it less likely for the persons who made those mistakes to repeat them.