Breast Cancer: Devastating Outcomes for Delays in Diagnosis and Treatment
York based medical negligence solicitors, Pryers Solicitors have recently reached a seven-figure settlement for young client June, whose breast cancer was repeatedly missed by GPs and surgeons for nearly two years due to misdiagnosis.
Recent high profile breast cancer stories like those of Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding, who died last month aged just 39, and TV presenter Julia Bradbury, who will undergo a mastectomy in October after being diagnosed with the devastating disease, are raising awareness of the need for women of all ages to check regularly for symptoms. A new campaign from charity CoppaFeel has highlighted that around 5,000 women under 45 are diagnosed with breast cancer every year.
Yet, not all types of breast cancers are detected early enough. The current well-publicised challenges of lengthening NHS waiting lists and the difficulties with getting GP appointments, will only add to the problem. For Pryers Solicitors client June, GPs, hospitals and breast surgeons repeatedly missed opportunities to diagnose her breast cancer early enough.
June’s story
Young mum June, loved to exercise and was in good health. However, this changed when she became concerned about a dry, scaly patch of skin surrounding her left nipple. Her GP prescribed some cream, but when her symptoms persisted, the GP gave June a fast-track referral for suspected breast cancer.
A bilateral mammogram at her local hospital failed to spot any signs of breast cancer, and she was diagnosed with nipple eczema. Her symptoms got worse, and despite further tests and GP visits, no suspicious masses were identified. Months later, she was examined by a breast surgeon, but they failed to take any mammograms or imaging and she was prescribed with more cream.
Her symptoms worsened and over the passing months, she noticed that her nipple had changed in shape. She received an urgent referral, and it was only then, following a mammogram and biopsy, that a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer was made. June’s symptoms had been misdiagnosed for nearly two years.
Following her correct diagnosis, June began her treatment, but unfortunately curative treatment was no longer possible. Unsurprisingly, June felt let down by the doctors that had seen her before, and she approached medical negligence solicitors Pryers for help.
“We worked with eminent oncology experts to prove, that if she had been diagnosed correctly when she first went to hospital, she would have been offered treatment to cure her breast cancer,” said Tamlin Bolton, an experienced senior solicitor at Pryers Solicitors. “We knew that it was important that June felt supported throughout the process and worked towards obtaining compensation for the trauma she has suffered. We were pleased to be able to secure a seven-figure settlement for her.”
You can read June’s full story here:
Everyone deserves ‘Hopes and Dreams’
Pryers Solicitors are proud sponsors of the ‘Macmillan Cancer Hopes and Dreams Charity Ball,’ taking place on Saturday 25th September. The event aims to raise awareness and funds for those affected by cancer.
You can find out more here:
https://www.pryers.co.uk/hopes-and-dreams/
ENDS