Background to the case:
In early summer of 2019, our client, a woman in her fifties, noticed a lump in her breast. She visited her GP practice regarding her lump however was sent home with no further action taken. Our client was not comfortable with this decision, and after two more months of having a noticeable lump in her breast, she went back to her GP surgery and saw the same Doctor. Unfortunately, again, the Doctor took no further action.
It wasn’t until six months after our client’s initial visit to her GP about the lump in her breast, that she was given an urgent breast cancer referral and was subsequently diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. This alleged delayed cancer diagnosis allowed the cancer to progress, invading her pectoralis muscle and ultimately required the surgical removal of part of the muscle.
Wider Impact of Medical Negligence:
The alleged delayed diagnosis of our client’s breast cancer brought both physical and emotional consequences for her. As a result of the alleged negligence, our client’s cancer had spread, leading to additional pain and suffering. Our client’s diagnosis meant she had to undergo a right mastectomy and a further procedure to remove the involved lymph nodes. The delay in our client’s cancer treatment resulted in the excision of a portion of her pectoralis muscle. These invasive surgeries have not only affected her emotionally but also impaired her right arm and shoulder mobility making it especially difficult for her given her profession as a skilled piano player, something that is an integral part of her life and identity.
Additionally, our client lives with schizophrenia, a condition that already presents challenges in her daily life. The delay in her cancer diagnosis, despite her visiting her GP twice over a six-month period, further compounded her struggles.
Legal Support from Patient Claim Line:
Patient Claim Line provided legal support in this case involving an alleged failure by the client’s GP to refer her to a breast clinic for further investigation during earlier appointments. Whilst the GP denied liability in full, Patient Claim Line was able to achieve a settlement of £8,000 for the client.
Kieran Smith who represented the client commented:
“It was a pleasure working with this client. I am pleased that we managed to secure a fair settlement without needing to progress the matter to Court. This case highlights the importance of medical professionals taking prompt action when cancer is suspected as any delay can result in a worse outcome.”
Cases like this highlight the importance of taking prompt action when a lump in the breast is noticed. According to guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), individuals aged 30 years or older with an unexplained breast lump, with or without associated pain, should be referred on a suspected cancer pathway within two weeks.
Timely diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment, as any delay can lead to worse outcomes. Healthcare professionals have a duty of care to act promptly and accurately when cancer symptoms are presented, in order to avoid delayed diagnoses.
Solicitor: Kieran Smith
Settlement: £8,000
If you have experienced a delayed diagnosis due to medical negligence, then Patient Claim Line can help you with your claim. We are medical negligence experts dedicated to helping you understand your rights and the potential for the compensation you deserve. For more information on breast cancer claims, contact us today.