Breast Cancer Claim - 4 Month Delay

DELAY IN DIAGNOSIS OF BREAST CANCER; NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON TREATMENT AND PROGNOSIS

P v TRAFFORD HEALTHCARE NHS TRUST

In 1973 Mrs P had been treated for cancer in her left breast. In 2005 she underwent mammogram of her right breast. A 1cm thickening was identified. The mammogram was reviewed four months later and Mrs P informed that there were suspicious areas of calcification. Mrs P underwent mastectomy and axillary clearance. She had a good prognosis.

The hospital accepted that the mammogram was initially negligently reported however argued that this had no impact on Mrs P for which she could claim compensation.

The expert evidence was that the delay in diagnosis did not have a significant adverse effect on treatment or prognosis.

The case was compromised without trial for £5,000