What Is a Breast Cancer Misdiagnosis?
Breast is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the breast, spreading to surrounding tissue and other parts of the body. While it mostly occurs in women, it can also affect men.
Breast cancer misdiagnosis refers to the incorrect interpretation or identification of breast cancer by medical professionals, leading to a false negative or false positive result. This form of medical negligence can have serious implications.
If you believe you have a cancer claim, do get in touch with us.
When Should Your GP Refer You for Breast Cancer Investigations?
You may have a breast cancer claim for compensation if your GP does not refer you when they should. Under NHS Breast Screening guidelines, GPs should refer women for investigation for possible breast cancer if there is a breast lump, lumpiness, or discomfort that does not come and go with the menstrual cycle.
What Hospital Tests Are Done for Breast Cancer?
Hospital doctors generally do a triple test that includes:
- Examining the breast and asking for the patient’s history
- Performing mammography or ultrasound films
- Taking a sample of cells from the breast through a needle or biopsy
However, if the all-clear is not given from all three tests, there should usually be further investigation. Medical negligence claims can arise because guidelines are not followed or tests are not correctly interpreted.
Reasons for Breast Cancer Misdiagnosis
There can be many causes of a wrong diagnosis of breast cancer, which may give you eligibility to make a breast cancer negligence compensation claim. You may be able to claim if you feel that:
- A medical professional failed to consider your symptoms, history, or risk factors.
- Imaging results were misinterpreted or overlooked.
- A biopsy was not ordered despite symptoms or suspicious imaging.
- An inadequate biopsy procedure was carried out, such as taking an insufficient sample or using the wrong type of biopsy.
- Appointments for tests were delayed.
- Delayed diagnosis meant that more complex surgery was needed or the breast cancer was allowed to spread.
If unsatisfied with your care, you may want to bring a cancer negligence claim for compensation and attempt to prevent mistakes from happening again for future patients.
Implications of a Breast Cancer Misdiagnosis
Breast cancer negligence can have serious implications for both patients and those close to them, such as:
- Long-term health consequences
Those facing a breast cancer misdiagnosis may experience serious long-term health impacts, the most obvious one being the progression and spread of the cancer to surrounding tissue. This can lead to more aggressive and complicated treatments, which may not be as successful as if treatment had been performed at an earlier stage.
- Emotional impact
Victims who have experienced breast cancer negligence may be impacted by emotional struggles, such as stress and anxiety, especially if the misdiagnosis has resulted in a severe negative health impact.
- Financial effect
More complex, later-stage treatments can often be costly, while the patient may face a loss of income if the breast cancer prevents them from working as normal.
What Happens When You Make a Breast Cancer Misdiagnosis Claim?
If you are considering pursuing a medical negligence breast cancer claim, one of our expert solicitors may be able to provide assistance. We are happy to discuss:
- Whether you have a valid breast cancer negligence compensation claim.
- Information and documentation we need to pursue the case.
- How we manage breast cancer claims.
- The amount of breast cancer negligence compensation you could win.
After the initial consultation, our breast cancer solicitors will gather evidence to support your case.
What Can Breast Cancer Negligence Compensation Cover?
You may be entitled to compensation for your injury and to to help you cover the past and future costs resulting from the wrong diagnosis of breast cancer, such as:
- Emotional and physical damage, such as pain and suffering
- Medical expenses, such as surgery and treatment
- Care costs, such as medication and therapy
- Loss of wages
- Travel and accommodation costs
Breast Cancer Case Studies
Check out our breast cancer negligence case studies to explore what kind of cases we deal with.
Specialist Legal Support for Breast Cancer Negligence
Do contact our friendly team of specialist lawyers at Medical Solicitors. We conduct most of our claims under ‘No Win, No Fee’ agreements, also known as Conditional Fee Agreements.
Our clients do not have to worry about how they can afford to pay for breast cancer claims; you have nothing to lose in speaking to us. Even if we cannot assist with actual compensation claims for breast cancer, we always do our best to think ‘outside of the box’ and signpost our clients for other advice and support that might benefit them.
FAQs for Breast Cancer Misdiagnosis Claims
How long can you live with breast cancer without knowing?
The length of time someone can live with breast cancer without knowing can vary depending on the breast cancer type, the rate of growth, and the individual’s health.
Sometimes, breast cancer is slow-growing and can remain undetected for years, while more aggressive types can lead to symptoms earlier in the disease.
Many people don’t experience clear symptoms of early breast cancer, which is why regular screening is so vital, especially for women over 50.
What is the most common misdiagnosis of breast cancer?
The most common misdiagnoses of breast cancer are conditions which present similar symptoms, such as fibrocystic breast changes, breast cysts, and fibroadenomas.
Hormonal changes can also trigger changes in breast tissue, including swelling and lumps, which can be mistaken for cancer.
When should you get a breast screening?
The appropriate time to get a breast screening will vary depending on individual factors like age, family history, and personal health.
From 50 years old, women should have routine mammography screening every three years. For more information on signs that you should look out for, visit the Breast Cancer Now support page.
For prevention, look to your lifestyle, as cancers can be caused by environmental factors (lifestyle habits), not faulty genes.
With dedicated breast cancer units, you can have all of the necessary tests on the NHS in just a few hours, be reassured and go home in relief. So, don’t put it off if you have any concerns; see your GP! A few of our ladies at Medical Solicitors have visited the Royal Hallamshire Hospital Breast Clinic and have had quick reassurance in just one visit. They had the all-clear within just a few hours and from lovely, friendly nurses and doctors.
What support is available after a diagnosis of breast cancer?
Experiencing breast cancer can be incredibly challenging, but remember that you’re never alone. If you need practical, emotional, or financial advice and support, check out our Support for Breast Cancer resources.
