Breast Cancer Diagnosis Delays
October 21, 2020
Earlier this month, we wrote about the affect the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the delays in breast cancer treatment and diagnosis, but, unfortunately, there are many causes of delays in breast cancer diagnoses that have nothing to do with the pandemic.
One of the main causes of delay in breast cancer diagnosis is GPs not referring patients for scans when they have symptoms. Other examples include: lost Mammogram and other test results, and administrative errors such as not arranging follow up appointments.
The Effects Of Breast Cancer Diagnosis Delays
It is important that cancer is diagnosed early, as it is easier to treat, and ultimately, cure. It is also important that the diagnosis is accurate, as a misdiagnosis can be life changing. If the NICE guidelines are not followed then this can indicate a breach of duty on the part of the medical professional.
Breast screening is vital in detecting breast cancer at the earliest possible stage. More than 2 million women in the UK have these screenings every year, and it helps prevent the deaths of around 1,300 people a year. But if patients are not getting these screenings, the cancer can develop and may spread. If cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it can become a secondary cancer. If this happens, it becomes more difficult to treat, and is usually at a further stage than primary cancer.
Changes in Your Life After A Diagnosis
If you, or a loved one, has been diagnosed with breast cancer, it can change your life. You may have to pay for extra medical treatment. You may have had to make adaptations to your home, you may have had to take time off work or give up work altogether. It will have most certainly impacted your day to day life. If there was a delay in the diagnosis of the breast cancer, and it was someone else’s fault, then it can make coping with the disease even worse.
We know that after a diagnosis like breast cancer, the last thing on your mind can be making a claim. You may be worrying about your finances. The solicitors we work with can help take that worry away. They may be able to recover costs such as travel and medication, adaptations that you may need to make to your everyday life, and loss of earnings for you and any loved ones that may have to have time off work to care for you.
How we can help
Here at The Medical Negligence Experts, we work with solicitors who have years of experience in dealing with specialist claims. This includes breast cancer misdiagnosis claims. They are well placed to help you get the compensation you may be entitled to. Contact us today by filling in our contact form or call us on 01614138761 to speak to one of our friendly knowledgeable advisors.