Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer found in women and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for women. Statistical data also shows that breast cancer claims the lives of approximately 41,000 women each year. The chance of surviving this deadly cancer is very high if the disease is found in the early stages. However, mistakes are often made in the diagnosis of life threatening illnesses, especially breast cancer. In fact, second only to the misdiagnosis of heart attacks, failure to diagnose breast cancer is the most common type of medical malpractice.
There are several ways in which breast cancer misdiagnosis or a failure to diagnose breast cancer may occur, including:
Another reason why failure to diagnose breast cancer is so common may be the false belief that only older women are at risk. Unfortunately, a recent report from the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) has helped foster these potentially dangerous beliefs. The report set forth guidelines indicating that women should not start mammogram tests until after reaching 50 years of age.
In response, the American Cancer Society denounced the new guidelines, explaining that early detection of breast cancer is crucial to successful treatment. Statistics support the American Cancer Society’s argument that early detection is of the utmost importance. If breast cancer is discovered at an early stage, survival rates are near 100%. Therefore, although it is true that women over the age of 50 are more likely to develop breast cancer, both patients and doctors should be aware that early detection would save lives.
Below is the survival rate, by stage, for breast cancer patients receiving treatment:
Given the importance of early detection, patients should know that there are ways they can protect themselves from breast cancer misdiagnosis. Individuals should perform self-examinations on a regular basis, looking for signs of swelling, soreness, rash, or redness. They should report any findings to their doctors as soon as possible. Additionally, knowledge of family history can be helpful. If an individual has a close family member who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, they have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. This information should also be brought to their doctor’s attention. Finally, it would be wise for patients to seek a second medical opinion not only because early detection is so important, but also because how often mistakes are made in diagnosing breast cancer.
If you or a loved one has suffered from a misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose breast cancer, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. The Law Offices of d'Oliveira & Associates specializes in medical malpractice and has personal injury attorneys in fourteen locations throughout Rhode island and Massachusetts.
Please contact the law offices of d'Oliveira & Associates at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form for a free legal consultation.