Medical Negligence in Breast Cancer Care

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - a global initiative which aims to increase awareness about breast cancer, promote early detection and support those affected by the disease. Unfortunately, detection and treatment of breast cancer doesn't always meet appropriate standards.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with around 55,900 people diagnosed every year. Early detection is crucial. When caught at an early stage, the 5-year survival rate is 99%. About 66% of cases are diagnosed at this early stage.

Symptoms

Below are the most common symptoms of breast cancer that everyone should be aware of, according to leading health organisations and experts:

• Lump in the breast or underarm
• Often painless, hard and with irregular edges
• Can also be soft and tender
• Change in breast size or shape
• Sudden or unexplained changes, especially if only one breast is affected
• Skin changes on the breast
• Dimpling, puckering or thickening (like orange peel texture)
• Redness, flakiness or scaling

Diagnosis and Investigations (recommended for Breast Cancer in the UK, based on current NHS and NICE guidelines)

When breast cancer is suspected, patients are typically referred to a specialist breast clinic for a "triple assessment".

This includes:

1. Clinical Examination – A physical examination of the breasts and lymph nodes by a specialist.

2. Imaging

• Mammogram - X-ray of the breast, especially useful for women over 40
• Ultrasound - Often used alongside mammography, especially in younger women or to assess specific lumps
• MRI - May be used for high-risk patients or to assess the extent of disease

3. Biopsy – Core needle biopsy or fine needle aspiration (FNA) to collect tissue samples.

Samples are tested for Histology (type of cancer), Hormone receptors (ER, PR), HER2 status (important for treatment planning).

To determine the stage and spread, additional tests may include: CT scan, Bone scan, PET scan, Blood tests and Genetic testing.

All cases are discussed by an MDT including oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, surgeons and specialist nurses to plan the best treatment approach.

Medical Negligence and Breast Cancer

Medical negligence in breast cancer cases typically involves:

• Misdiagnosis – failing to identify cancer or diagnosing it as another condition
• Delayed diagnosis – not referring a patient for tests or ignoring symptoms
• Incorrect treatment – administering unnecessary or harmful procedures
• Failure to follow up – not acting on test results or monitoring symptoms

A breast cancer diagnosis is devastating, but to find out your treatment was below the standard of care that you should receive can be even more distressing. If you or a family member have experienced a lack of appropriate care or proper medical intervention for breast cancer, our team specialising in medical negligence claims have the expertise to help you claim compensation. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you need advice and support.