Finding out you have breast cancer can be harrowing, and no one should then have to deal with the consequences of mistakes made in your care. If you’ve suffered as a result of breast cancer misdiagnosis, Slater and Gordon’s specialist legal experts can help.
However, delays in diagnosis or treatment can allow the cancer to spread and become life-threatening. It is vital that cancers such as breast cancer are caught, diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible to give the best possible chance at recovery.
If the medical professionals in charge of your care have failed to treat you correctly – whether it was a failure to recognise the symptoms of breast cancer, a misdiagnosis, or the prescription of an incorrect treatment – you may be entitled to claim breast cancer compensation.
In the UK, the vast majority of patients diagnosed with breast cancer are women, though men can also suffer from the disease. It’s thought that around 1% of breast cancer diagnoses each year are in men.
The initial symptoms of breast can seem relatively mild, and are often entirely benign or indicative of other conditions. However, you should always speak to a doctor if you experience any of the following:
A lump or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit, or pain that does not go away
A change in the skin on your breast, such a dimpling or redness
A change in size or shape of your breast or nipple
Discharge from the nipple (if you aren’t breastfeeding or pregnant)
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.
For more information about breast cancer, visit the NHS website.
What are the most common causes of breast cancer misdiagnosis or 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.
I just wanted to say thank you so much for everything Slater and Gordon have done to fight this case for us. I appreciate it has involved a lot of people. Please can you also thank the expert witnesses who have provided their expertise and help.
Mr and Mrs H (medical negligence client)
I cannot recommend Slater and Gordon enough, throughout the entire period of the case, all the staff have been both very professional, and supportive.
Mr Q (medical negligence client)
Kept informed regularly as to how my claim was going, prompt replies to any questions I had, excellent customer service at all times. Excellent service from all staff that have been involved in my claim.
Ms S (medical negligence client)
Am I entitled to make a delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosed breast cancer claim?
Being diagnosed with cancer can be an emotional and distressing time, and the last thing anyone wants to hear is that negligent treatment or missed diagnosis has impacted the treatment they have received.
To be successful in a claim for breast cancer misdiagnosis, you need to be able to prove that there has been a breach in the duty of care owed to you by the medical professionals responsible for your care, and that this breach caused a negative impact on your treatment and prognosis.
If you think that a medical professional failed to fulfil their responsibilities, and their failure caused you unnecessary harm, contact us now and we'll be able to advise you on how we can gather evidence for your medical negligence claim.
How are breast cancer claims funded?
The vast majority of our cases are funded by way of a conditional fee agreement, otherwise known as a No Win No Fee agreement. What this means is if you lose your case, you won't have to pay anything and therefore, there’s no financial risk to you.
Our misdiagnosed cancer team are one of the best in the country and are highly ranked in independent legal guides such as Chambers and Partners and Legal 500.
The team are highly experienced in dealing with misdiagnosed cancer claims can provide you with the best possible service, not only ensuring that you get the best outcome to your case, but that you get the treatment and additional support you need to assist with your recovery. We’re committed to providing the best support from day one, which is way we also offer home and hospital visits to allow us to provide immediate representation and rehabilitation support; allowing you to focus on recovery while we handle your claim.
Frequently asked questions about breast cancer misdiagnosis
How long do I have to make a breast cancer claim?
As a general rule, you have three years from the date you first became aware you were misdiagnosed or were given negligent treatment to start making a breast cancer misdiagnosis claim.
There are exceptions to this rule. If you were unable to make a claim during the initial three years due to physical or psychological injury, you could be entitled to make a claim within three years from your recovery.
A child under the age of 18 can also make a claim within three years from their 18th birthday, unless a parent or guardian has already made a claim on their behalf.
It’s always strongly advised to reach out to a specialist medical negligence solicitor to discuss your personal circumstances, as they will be able to advise you of any deadlines that are relevant to you.
Can I claim compensation for delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis of breast cancer on behalf of someone else?
There are certain circumstances in which you may be able to claim breast cancer misdiagnosis compensation on behalf of a loved one. For example, you may be able to do so if you are claiming for a child under the age of 18, or for someone who lacks the mental capacity to be able to bring a claim themselves.
For more information about claiming compensation on behalf of a loved one, visit our claims guide page here.
Can I claim compensation on behalf of a loved one who has passed away?
Yes. If your loved one has passed away from cancer and it could have been avoided if they’d received the standard of care they deserved, you may be entitled to compensation.
Our specialists understand the difficulties faced when you've lost a loved one and will treat your cancer compensation claim with the utmost sensitivity and provide you with all the advice you need. Contact our specialists today.
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.
I just wanted to say thank you so much for everything Slater and Gordon have done to fight this case for us. I appreciate it has involved a lot of people. Please can you also thank the expert witnesses who have provided their expertise and help. Mr and Mrs H (medical negligence client)
I cannot recommend Slater and Gordon enough, throughout the entire period of the case, all the staff have been both very professional, and supportive. Mr Q (medical negligence client)
Kept informed regularly as to how my claim was going, prompt replies to any questions I had, excellent customer service at all times. Excellent service from all staff that have been involved in my claim. Ms S (medical negligence client)