Published Feb 23, 2021

27-Year-Old’s Bad Back Turned Out To Be Cancer, Family Says An Accurate Diagnosis Was Delayed By COVID-19

Details

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.

As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, some illnesses are going undetected because people are delaying screenings and doctor appointments or healthcare facilities are overburdened.

Latifah King, 27, of Leicester, England, experienced bad leg pain in October. Doctors told her it was “bad sciatica” and gave her painkillers, reports the BBC.

Related: 27-Year-Old Dad Dies of Cancer After COVID-19 Allegedly Caused Delays In Getting MRI, Resulting In Misdiagnosis

After her condition worsened in December, she had more tests. But it wasn’t until the beginning of February when King was diagnosed with epithelioid sarcoma. She died seven days later, reports the BBC.

Cancer 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 Advocateâ€¦ Don't Settle

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.

SurvivorNetTV.
Hope. Science.
Inspiration.

WATCH NOW