Breast Cancer: Spotting the Signs
Posted on in Medical Negligence
Every October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month; a time to raise awareness of breast cancer, promote earlier diagnosis and support those affected.
We at Tozers are fully aware of the devastating impact that breast cancer can have on a person and their family and are proud to support this awareness month.
Facts about Breast Cancer
- A cancer that starts in the breast tissue
- The most common type of cancer in women in the UK
- Around 55,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK
- Both men and women can get breast cancer
- Survival for breast cancer is generally very good, especially with early diagnosis
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Symptoms of breast cancer in women may include:
- A lump or swelling in the breast, chest or armpit
- A change to the skin of the breast
- A change in the colour of the breast
- A rash or crusting around the nipple
- Nipple discharge
- A change in size or shape of the breast(s)
- A change in shape or look of the nipple(s)
- Pain in the breast or armpit which does not go away
Further symptoms may be experienced if the cancer has spread. It is important to regularly check your breasts.
How to Check Your Chest
There is no special way to check your breasts, and you do not need any training. Breast Cancer Now highlights that checking your breasts is as easy as TLC.
- (T) - Touch your breasts.
- (L) - Look for changes.
- (C) - Check any changes with your GP.
As described by CoppaFeel – “whatever you feel, feel your chest”.
Most breast changes are not cancer, but it is important to get any new or unusual changes checked by a GP, as the earlier the cancer is detected, the more successful treatment is likely to be.
After reporting symptoms to your GP, they should examine you and (if necessary) refer you to a breast clinic to see a specialist. Referrals to a breast clinic can occur through your GP or through the NHS breast screening programme. At the breast clinic you will be examined and told what (if any) tests and / or investigations are needed. Further testing and treatment will depend upon the findings of the initial examination and testing.
Why is Early Diagnosis and Treatment Key?
Breast cancer survival is generally very good, particularly if diagnosed early. Cancer Research UK highlighted the following statistics between 2018 and 2022:
- Stage 1 - Almost 100% survived their cancer for 5 years or more after diagnosis
- Stage 2 – 90% survived their cancer for 5 years or more after diagnosis
- Stage 3 – Around 75% survived their cancer for 5 years or more after diagnosis
- Stage 4 – More than 30% survived their cancer for 5 years or more after diagnosis. Whilst stage 4 cancer will not be cured, treatment can control the cancer for some years.
How We Can Help
Early detection is key, and any delay in either diagnosis or treatment may make treatment more difficult, and the cancer could potentially be incurable.
Sadly, even when a person does everything right, in terms of checking their breasts and seeking treatment, treatment providers may on occasion misdiagnose your condition or delay a necessary investigation, which might otherwise have led to an earlier diagnosis and therefore, more timely treatment.
A cancer diagnosis raises many worries about the future, and although a legal claim would not be able to turn back the clock, it can ease financial pressures, provide more options and help protect your family’s future.
Our experienced team are aware of the devastating impact that a diagnosis of cancer can have, particularly when it is avoidable. If an avoidable problem with your diagnosis / treatment leads to a terminal prognosis, a successful legal claim could include compensation for:
- Expenses and losses incurred
- Support your family would have received from you
- Financial support that your family would have received from you (to include reliance upon your earnings / pension)
- Funeral costs
- Medical expenses
If you or a family member are concerned about a delay in diagnosis, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our experienced and knowledgeable team, who can provide legal support and guidance.