In honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Higgs LLP is urging women and men alike to stay vigilant about the red-flag symptoms of breast cancer that could signal a life-threatening condition.
As breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, medical negligence claims lawyers at Higgs LLP are aiming to raise awareness of the crucial warning signs to encourage early detection and timely intervention. They are also advising on what patients can do if their doctor has missed the symptoms of breast cancer.
"When it comes to cancer or any life-threatening condition, early detection can save lives. If patients feel something is wrong, they should never hesitate to seek testing or medical attention. Symptoms should never be ignored, and it's vital that both patients and healthcare professionals take any concerns seriously to ensure timely diagnosis and care.”
Clare Langford
Medical Negligence Lawyer
What are the red flag symptoms of breast cancer?
“Breast cancer symptoms vary, but a more obvious symptom is a lump or swelling in the breast, upper chest or armpit. Change is also a red flag–change in the texture of the skin, the colour of the breast, or inversion of the nipple. Crusting or discharge around the nipple can also be a worry.”
Why is breast cancer misdiagnosed?
“Breast cancer is misdiagnosed for a range of reasons, including misinterpretation of diagnostic studies, a delay in diagnostic tests, a failure or delay in consultation, or because of miscommunication. Breast cancer can also be misdiagnosed due to doctors and professionals misinterpreting cancer as a cyst or mastitis. Unfortunately, mammograms aren’t 100% accurate.”
What are the legal rights of someone who has experienced a misdiagnosis or delay in diagnosis of breast cancer?
“If you have experienced misdiagnosis, you may be eligible to claim medical compensation. This is particularly valid if the misdiagnosis has worsened an ongoing medical condition, delayed a correct diagnosis and treatment, or resulted in harm or fatality.”
“Doctors have a duty of care and if they violate these standards, it could be considered as negligence. If you think you may be a victim of medical negligence due to misdiagnosis, consult a law firm that specialises in medical negligence and will be able to give you legal advice. You will need to provide evidence that a doctor breached their duty, caused you harm, and that this resulted in measurable losses.”
Do you have any examples of a misdiagnosed breast cancer case?
“We worked on a case where a patient had been diagnosed with breast cancer in the late 1980s and successfully underwent treatment. However, in 2003, a new lump was found in her breast, and her GP urgently referred her to a breast clinic. Despite undergoing node removal, she continued to suffer from persistent back and neck pain, but follow-up tests, including an MRI and bone scan, reported no signs of cancer spread. Years later, in 2013, the patient returned to her GP with back pain and was diagnosed with a pre-cancerous area in her breast, leading to a mastectomy. However, her ongoing back and neck pain remained unresolved, and a referral to a spinal surgeon was never received. Despite further complaints and tests, no action was taken to address her spinal pain.
“In 2016, the patient collapsed, and subsequent investigations revealed that her cancer had spread to her spine and left rib, severely impacting her mobility and quality of life. Unfortunately, the patient passed away in 2023. We argued that, given her history of breast cancer, a more thorough "triple test" should have been performed during her initial recurrence in 2003. This test could have led to earlier intervention, preventing the spread of cancer in later years.
"October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a crucial time to highlight the importance of recognising early symptoms. Unfortunately, as medical negligence lawyers, we often handle cases involving delayed breast cancer diagnoses. Early detection is vital to effectively treating the disease. If you suspect something is wrong, don’t hesitate—get it checked and keep advocating for answers."
