When Jessica*, a woman in her early forties, discovered a lump in her breast, she acted responsibly and went straight to her GP. After a brief examination, she was confidently told it was just a cyst and definitely not cancer. Her GP further reassured her that the lump might grow but there was no cause for concern, suggesting she use a hot compress and not to worry. No referral or follow-up was arranged. Trusting this advice, Jessica went home feeling relieved. Over time, the lump continued to grow, but because she had been reassured, she did not return to the surgery.
Two years later, the lump had still not gone away. When Jessica saw a different GP, the seriousness of the situation was immediately recognised. She was referred under the two-week urgent cancer pathway and shortly afterwards received the devastating diagnosis of breast cancer.
Failures in diagnosis
NICE guidelines make it clear that any woman aged 30 or over with an unexplained breast lump should be referred urgently for investigation. Jessica’s GP failed to follow this guidance and did not ask about her family history, which would have revealed a close relative with breast cancer. As a result, breast cancer was ruled out as a possible diagnosis, leading to a 32-month delay before Jessica’s condition was properly investigated and treated. Because of the delay, Jessica’s treatment was far more aggressive than it would have been if the cancer had been detected earlier. She underwent major surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and long-term hormone therapy, which caused painful joint problems and early menopause. The impact was not just physical. Jessica has experienced significant emotional distress, including feelings of anger, anxiety, and devastation at being wrongly reassured. She also struggles with a fear of recurrence and a loss of trust in medical professionals.
Delayed diagnosis breast cancer compensation claim
Jessica contacted Enable Law before her first surgery. She was represented by Stewart Young, Southampton-based specialist medical negligence lawyer with extensive experience in delayed cancer diagnosis claims.
Stewart and his team obtained expert medical evidence to assess what difference an earlier referral would have made. These experts helped Stewart build a case of how Jessica’s life would have been different if she had received her diagnosis when she initially sought it out. Their evidence showed that if Jessica had been referred when she initially saw a GP, her tumour would have been far smaller, calling for less aggressive and invasive treatment.
Before her diagnosis, Jessica was building a promising career. The treatment forced her to pause her studies and work, and she now works just two days a week due to ongoing fatigue and pain. Stewart Young and the Enable Law team are handling a loss of earnings claim to help protect her financial future. Whilst the case is ongoing, Stewart continues to guide her with compassion and expertise, ensuring she feels supported and informed at every stage of her case.
Jessica’s experience highlights how critical early investigation and referral are when it comes to breast cancer. A simple referral in line with national guidance could have spared her extensive treatment and a significant reduction in life expectancy. Jessica remains anxious but determined to see the process through.
We’re here to help
At Enable Law, we have specialist cancer compensation claim lawyers who have helped hundreds of patients understand if their cancer prognosis and treatment was affected by a missed or delayed diagnosis.
Even though we can’t turn back the clock, we can help patients access the funds they need to help put their lives back together and provide security to their dependants.
To speak to Stewart Young or another member of our team contact us on 0800 044 8488 or fill in our contact form so we can arrange to call you at a time convenient to you.
*name has been changed
