Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States, affecting 1 in 8 women on average over the course of their lives. The prognosis for breast cancer is significantly better when it is detected early, as an early diagnosis can prevent the cancer from spreading or metastasizing to other parts of the body. In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let’s discuss the importance of early detection and the steps you can take to protect your health.
Signs and symptoms of breast cancer:
Knowing how your breasts look and feel, while also being aware of the symptoms of breast cancer, can help you detect breast cancer early. If you notice any of the symptoms below, make sure to contact your doctor as soon as possible.
- Breast lumps
- Dimpling or redness
- Tenderness in the nipples
- Clear or bloody discharge from nipples
- Pain, swelling, or asymmetry
- Swollen lymph nodes under the arm
Steps for detecting breast cancer:
The first step to detecting breast cancer in the early stages is to perform routine self-exams. If you want step by step instructions on how to perform a proper self-breast exam, click HERE.
If you notice some of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer during your self-breast exam, contact your doctor to schedule an appointment. During the appointment, your doctor will examine you and determine the appropriate next steps, which may include:
- Mammogram
- Breast ultrasound
- MRI scan
- Breast biopsy
Should the results confirm breast cancer, your doctor will then determine the stage of the cancer and discuss the best treatment options.
What happens if my doctor does not send me for proper testing?
If you consulted your doctor about a lump or visible symptoms, and they failed to order appropriate testing or misdiagnosed your condition, leading to a delayed diagnosis of breast cancer, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit. Delayed diagnosis can have serious, life-altering consequences, but you don’t have to navigate this alone. Our experienced medical malpractice attorneys have successfully handled numerous delayed diagnosis breast cancer cases. We are here to fight for your rights and help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact our medical malpractice team to discuss your legal options today.
