When does breast cancer become a medical negligence claim?

If breast cancer is diagnosed and treated in time, the chances of recovery are good. However, if there are substantial delays the cancer is likely to spread and can become life threatening.

If medical professionals fail to treat you correctly, it can cause significant delays and the cancer can grow or spread. If this is the case, you may be entitled to claim breast cancer compensation due to medical negligence.

How is breast cancer diagnosed and treated?

Breast cancer is normally diagnosed by a combination of three types of investigation: clinical examination, ultrasound scan or mammogram and biopsy (analysis of cells under a microscope by a pathologist). This is known as the ‘Triple Test’. Breast cancer should only be diagnosed where the results of all three investigations suggest that a growth is cancer.

The main treatment options for breast cancer are surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormonal therapy. There are also other targeted drugs available.

What are the most common causes of delays?

In the majority, medical professionals provide patients with a high standard of care. However, there are occasions when mistakes do happen which cause delays which can be life-threatening. The most common causes of delays are:

• Failure to recognise the symptoms of breast cancer
• Failure to carry out adequate examinations or tests
• Failure to advise a patient to return if their symptoms persist or worsen
• Mistakes by medical professionals who interpret test results

If you believe negligent delays caused your breast cancer to get worse, please contact one of our breast cancer solicitors for advice on making a No Win No Fee compensation claim.

What can result from delays in diagnosis?

Delays in diagnosis can be life-threatening which is why it’s so important for medical professionals to ensure that mistakes are not made. An incorrect or late diagnosis of breast cancer can also lead to:

• More breast tissue being removed than necessary
• Cosmetic deformity to the breast
• Lymph nodes being unnecessarily removed from the armpit (axilla)
• Lymphoedema, a disabling condition where the arm swells and becomes painful

Make a breast cancer compensation claim

Our medical negligence team are one of the best in the country and are highly ranked in independent legal guides, Chambers and Partners and Legal 500.

The team are highly experienced in dealing with negligent breast cancer compensation claims can provide you with the best possible service, not only ensuring that you get the best outcome to your case, but can ensure you get the treatment and additional support you need to assist with your recovery.

Visit our medical negligence FAQs or our medical negligence claims guide for further information on how to make a claim.

Contact us for a free consultation to help you understand whether or not you have a breast cancer claim or call 0330 107 6518.

Can I change my solicitors to Slater and Gordon?

If you or a family member have been seriously impacted by medical negligence, and you feel that you're not getting the specialist legal advice you need from your current solicitor, we'll be happy to discuss switching your case to Slater and Gordon. Simply call our experts on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online.