Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Every October, the world comes together to observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month—a campaign that aims to raise awareness, support, and funding for research and treatment of breast cancer. This annual event is marked by the iconic pink ribbon, symbolizing the global fight against a disease that impacts millions of women and men worldwide.

Understanding Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, forming a tumour that can spread to other parts of the body. It is the most common cancer in women, and while rare, it can also affect men. Risk factors include age, family history, genetics, lifestyle choices, and exposure to radiation.

Key Statistics:

• Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among women globally.
• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 2.3 million new cases were reported in 2020.
• Survival rates are high when breast cancer is detected early, underscoring the need for widespread awareness and education.

Breast Cancer Awareness: Why Early Detection Matters

Successful treatment of breast cancer often depends on early detection. Self-examinations, routine mammograms, and clinical check-ups are key to identifying the disease before it spreads. Early diagnosis leads to better outcomes, with more treatment options and higher survival rates.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For:

• Lumps or thickening in the breast or underarm
• Changes in breast shape or size
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin
• Nipple discharge that is not breast milk
• Persistent pain in the breast or nipple area

Patients’ Rights

Despite advances in medical treatment and awareness, there are cases where patients may experience delays, misdiagnosis, or errors in care that could worsen their condition. In such cases, individuals may have the option to make a clinical negligence claim. Please see our page dedicated to breast cancer claims for more information.

When healthcare providers fail to provide the standard of care expected—through delayed diagnosis, misdiagnosis, or errors in treatment—it can lead to more advanced stages of breast cancer, decreased survival chances, and unnecessary suffering.

Early detection of breast cancer is key and that is why quality healthcare is important and awareness should be raised about the legal rights of patients to ensure that healthcare providers are held accountable, and this also hopefully encourages improvements in medical standards.

Breast cancer patients trust their healthcare providers with their lives, and when that trust is broken, the emotional, physical, and financial toll can be devastating. Highlighting these issues during Breast Cancer Awareness Month can lead to better awareness among patients and help prevent similar errors in the future.

Steps to Take

If you or a loved one is concerned about their treatment, they could take the following steps:

• Consult a Specialist: Seek an independent medical opinion to assess whether the care you received was appropriate. You are entitled to ask for a second opinion regarding your treatment and your options.
• Make a Complaint: Whether your care has been provided through the NHS or privately, you are entitled to make a complaint if you feel you’ve been let down.
• Speak to Charities: There are lots of Charities – such as Breast Cancer Now – We’re Breast Cancer Now | Breast Cancer Now that can offer support and guidance.
• Request Medical Records: Gather all relevant medical documents that may help you to assess your treatment and to seek advice/guidance.
• Speak to a Lawyer: Contact a legal professional who specialises in medical negligence claims to discuss your options.
• Act Promptly: Be mindful of time limits, and take action as soon as possible.