Breast Cancer Awareness Month – October

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in the UK, with 1 in 8 women being diagnosed in their lifetime.

Breast cancer does not only affect women but also men. Around 340 men in the UK get breast cancer each year.

All men and women should be aware of any changes in their chest area and checking the breasts on a regular basis is recommended. The sooner breast cancer is diagnosed, the more effective treatment will be.

A study (published in the Annals of Surgical Oncology) has shown that a second opinion for breast cancer should be recommended. The researchers came to the conclusion that a second opinion provided them with a change in diagnosis and eventually a change in treatment for 43 percent of the patients who presented for a second opinion for breast cancer. The second opinion was a review by a multidisciplinary tumour board which included radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, breast cancer nurse navigators, radiologists, geneticists and pathologists.

The study highlights the importance of a review by a tumour board which can avoid potential misdiagnosis.

At Fletchers Solicitors, we handle many Cancer Care Claims relating to the misdiagnosis, mistreatment or delay in the diagnosis of cancer so please feel free to get in touch if you think you have been a victim of medical negligence.

There is plenty of information available online; I would recommend visiting Breast Cancer Care, a specialist UK-wide charity providing support for anyone affected by breast cancer.

If you have a question about breast health or breast cancer you can call Breast Cancer Care’s free Helpline on 0808 800 6000 or visit their website breastcancercare.org.uk.