Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the annual UK-wide campaign to raise awareness around screening, treatment, and the prevention of breast cancer.
Starr Thompson, Trainee Solicitor in our clinical negligence team reflects on the month and considers those patients who experienced a delay to their diagnosis that could have been avoided — a common area for claims of clinical negligence.
Around 1 in 7 women are diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. However, there is a good chance of recovery if it is detected at an early stage. It is therefore vital that women check their breasts regularly for any changes and always contact their GP to be examined if changes are recognised.
According to a 2019 Cancer Research UK study, 1 in 4 cancer patients experienced a delay in their diagnosis that could have been avoided.
There are many factors than can influence a delay in diagnosis, including where a patient does not notice symptoms. The impact of that delay can increase the risk of needing more aggressive treatments and is associated with reduced survival time, as well as adding to the emotional strain of the diagnosis in the first place.
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells in the breast grow out of control and form tumours. If the tumours are left undetected, they can spread throughout the body and become fatal.
Breast cancer is usually detected through a screening mammogram which is an x-ray of the breast.
Symptoms of breast cancer
Symptoms of breast cancer can include the following:
- A new lump or area of thickened tissue in either breast that was not there before.
- A change in the size or shape of one or both breasts.
- Discharge of fluid from either of your nipples.
- A lump or swelling in either of your armpits.
- A change in the look or feel of your skin, such as puckering or dimpling, a rash or redness.
- A rash (like eczema), crusting, scaly or itchy skin or redness on or around your nipple.
- A change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast.
Diagnosis
Breast cancer is usual detected through symptoms (as outlined above) or due to a screening mammogram showing an abnormality.
If you have suspected breast cancer you will be referred to a specialist breast cancer clinic for further tests.
Delayed diagnosis
The earlier breast cancer is detected and treatment is commenced at a stage when it hasn’t spread, means it is more likely to be treated successfully and avoids unnecessary stress and anxiety. If you recognise any symptoms of breast cancer, it is important that you contact your GP straight away.
If diagnosis is delayed as a result of a GP or doctor failing to recognise potential symptoms and investigate or to make a timely referral resulting in harm, it may be possible to bring a claim for clinical negligence.
Over the past few years, pressure on NHS cancer services has been mounting with lengthy general waiting times, compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic.
As of August 2023, according to Cancer Research UK data, all cancer waiting time targets have been missed in England despite the best efforts of NHS Staff. Almost 6,000 people who started cancer treatment in August 2023 had waited longer than two months since their urgent referral.
Case studies
At Morrish Solicitors we have considerable experience dealing with clinical negligence claims arising from a delay in diagnosis of cancer.
Our clinical negligence team successfully secured £75,000 compensation for a claimant whose 10-year survival had been reduced from 88% to 87%, and her life expectancy reduced by a further 0.2 years after there was a delay in breast cancer diagnosis. Read more here.
In addition, we have secured £250.000 for a Widower following a failure to diagnose cervical cancer. Read more here.
Contact our clinical negligence team if you would like to discuss a delayed cancer diagnosis. We will handle your case sensitively whilst supporting you through the entire process.
We offer a free initial consultation to discuss any potential claim you feel you may have. Call us on 033 3344 9613 or email [email protected].
