Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2024

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month aimed at highlighting the signs and symptoms of the disease, supporting those who have been diagnosed, and encouraging others to get screened before it is too late.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, and represents 15% of all new cancer cases, and 30% of new cancer cases in females.

More than two million women around the world are diagnosed with breast cancer every year – and that is why it is so important to educate those on the symptoms to look out for.

Although breast cancer is much more common in women, it can affect men too – with 400 being diagnosed in the UK every year.

Unfortunately, breast cancer can spread too – developing into a secondary cancer which can cause further complications. Below we outline symptoms to look out for, how to check your breasts and what to do if you think you are showing symptoms.

Symptoms of breast cancer

A breast lump or thickened area of skin that feels different from the surrounding tissue.
A nipple that looks flattened or turns inward.
Changes in the colour of the breast skin.
Change in the size, shape, or appearance of a breast.
Changes to the skin over the breast, such as skin that looks dimpled or like an orange peel.
Swelling of all or part of a breast (even if no lump is felt).
Skin dimpling (sometimes looking like an orange peel).
Breast or nipple pain.
Nipple retraction (turning inward).
Nipple or breast skin that is red, dry, flaking, or thickened.
Nipple discharge (other than breast milk).

What does a breast cancer lump feel like?

According to VeryWellHealth the signs of a cancerous lump differ from those of a benign lump in the breast. Some possible signs a lump could be cancerous include:

Rock-like firmness
Irregular size or shape
Fixed to one area as if attached to skin or other tissues within the breast
Being immovable
appears in the upper outer portion of your breast
grows over time

How to check your breasts

It is advised to check your breasts or chest regularly, for symptoms of breast cancer or to notice any changes. The NHS advises that you should check around once a month.

To check your breasts or chest:

Look at your breasts or chest in a mirror to look for any changes. Start with your arms by your sides and then raise them.
Feel around each breast or side of your chest in a circular motion all the way up to your collarbone and under each armpit. Use a mix of light and firmer pressure. Do not press so hard it hurts.
Feel around and over each nipple.

You may find it easier to feel your breasts or chest in the shower or lying down.

When should I see a GP?

The NHS advises that if you notice any of the following, it is important to see a GP.

You have a lump or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit
You have any changes in your breasts, chest or nipples that are not normal for you
You have pain in your breast or armpit that does not go away

Although lumps in the breast can be very common and can be caused by other conditions, it is important to get them checked out.

Breast screening – What will happen at my appointment?

If you are concerned about breast cancer and visit your GP, you may be invited to attend a breast screening appointment. We know this may be daunting, especially as you are already worried about the outcome. Below we breakdown what will happen at your appointment.

Breast screening is usually done by 1 or 2 female mammographers. You can ask them about any questions or concerns you have. The whole appointment should only take around 30 minutes, and the mammograph just a few minutes.

You’ll need to undress, in a private changing area, so you are naked from the waist up. You may be given a hospital gown to put on.
You’ll be called into the X-ray room and the mammographer will explain what will happen.
The mammographer will place your breast onto the X-ray machine. It will be squeezed between 2 pieces of plastic to keep it still while the X-rays are taken. This takes a few seconds and you need to stay still. Your breast will be taken off of the machine afterwards.
The X-ray machine will then be tilted to one side and the process will be repeated on the side of your breast.
Your other breast will be X-rayed in the same way.
You will then return to the changing area to get dressed.

Your results will be sent to you in the post.

Breast Cancer NHS failures – When to make a claim?

If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer but believe you suffered failures in your diagnosis or treatment from healthcare professionals, you may be entitled to compensation.

Immediate diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer is paramount to the success of the treatment. Early intervention can result in complete resolution of symptoms. however, delays can be devastating.

The longer you have been deprived of treatment, the more likely the cancer could spread and more invasive procedures/treatment will be required.

If you consider that there was a delay in diagnosis or implementing treatment, you may be eligible to bring about a claim for compensation. Our specialist team are on hand to discuss your treatment with you and advise further as to what your choices are.

Our team will be able to give you free advice on the prospects of your case and whether you would be eligible to make a claim.

You have three years to bring about a claim of this nature. This time period runs from either the date the negligence occurred, or the date you ought to have been aware that negligence may have occurred. Do not delay! Get in touch as soon as possible.

Who can bring about a claim?

The victim of the alleged negligence can bring about a claim for both general and special damages as listed above.

It can sadly be the case that the victim of the negligence has passed away. In such circumstances, the executor of the estate or the surviving dependents can bring about a claim on behalf of the deceased loved one.

We have a wealth of experience in handling claims of this nature, and our compassionate and professional team will be able to talk you through every stage of the claims process.

What can I claim for?

General Damages – This is a claim for compensation for the pain and suffering you have endured, and that you are likely to endure moving forward. There will, if appropriate, be a claim for compensation for any psychological effects the negligence has had upon you.
Special Damages – This is a claim for all out-of-pocket expenses you have suffered as a result of the negligence. This may include such things as loss of earnings, cost of medication and treatments (both past and in the future), the cost of aids or adaptations to the home, childcare costs, care costs for yourself and much more. This list is not exhaustive and is very case-specific.

How much compensation will I get?

The amount of damages awarded is very case specific and is dependent upon the extent of pain and suffering and the expenses incurred.

Typical examples of claims involving breast cancer have settled as follows:

£121,000 circa for a fifteen-month delay in diagnosing breast cancer. The claimant, in this case, underwent a mastectomy, axillary node clearance and radiotherapy. She also suffered from lymphedema.
£160,000 circa for an eighteen-month delay in diagnosing breast cancer. The claimant, in this case, underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy and suffered from a severe psychological injury. The claimant’s life expectancy was reduced by twelve years.

If you consider that you have suffered as a result of negligence, speak to one of our specialist team members who will be able to advise further regards to the likely value of your claim.

How is my case funded?

The majority of clinical negligence cases are funded by a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), more commonly known as a ‘no-win, no-fee’ agreement.

This means that there will be nothing to pay upfront and nothing to pay if the claim has been lost. If you are successful in your claim, a deduction of 25% of damages will be taken to cover the success fee and the shortfall in legal fees.

It may also be the case that an After The Event (ATE) insurance policy will be obtained to cover the costs of expensive medical reports and investigations.

If an ATE insurance policy has to be obtained the cost of the same will be discussed with you at the appropriate point. The cost of the ATE insurance policy is again taken from your damages and only payable if you are successful with your claim.

Why should I use Oakwood Solicitors Ltd?

We have a dedicated team of solicitors and paralegals who have many years’ experience between them in running cases of this nature. They are highly trained to deal with all aspects of clinical negligence.

We want to ensure that clients are not overwhelmed by legal jargon, medical terms that they don’t understand and to allow the claims procedure to be as transparent as possible. We will strive to achieve the best possible outcome for you.