Every October, communities across the UK and around the world come together to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month—a time dedicated to increasing awareness, promoting early detection, and supporting those affected by breast cancer.
Understanding breast cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with around 1 in 7 women diagnosed during their lifetime. While it predominantly affects women, men can also develop breast cancer, albeit more rarely. The disease can present in various forms and stages, making awareness of symptoms and regular screening essential.
Common symptoms include:
- A lump or thickening in the breast or armpit
- Changes in breast shape or size
- Skin changes such as dimpling or redness
- Nipple discharge or inversion
Early detection through routine screening and self-examination can significantly improve outcomes. The NHS Breast Screening Programme offers free mammograms to women aged 50 to 70 every three years, and awareness campaigns encourage younger women to be proactive about their breast health.
The role of research
Thanks to decades of research, breast cancer survival rates have improved dramatically, with over 98% of people diagnosed at the earliest stage surviving five years or more.
Organisations like Cancer Research UK, Breast Cancer Now, and the Pink Ribbon Foundation fund vital studies into prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Recent advances include:
- Targeted therapies that attack specific cancer cells
- Immunotherapy to harness the body’s immune system
- Genetic testing for hereditary breast cancer risk
- Personalised treatment plans based on tumour profiling
These breakthroughs are only possible through continued investment in research and clinical trials, many of which rely on public donations and fundraising efforts.
Raising awareness and encouraging action
This October, there are many ways to get involved:
- Attend your screening: If you’re aged 50–70, you’re eligible for free NHS breast screening every three years. If you’ve missed an appointment, it’s never too late to rebook.
- Know your normal: Regular self-checks can help you spot changes early. If something doesn’t feel right, speak to your GP.
- Support campaigns: Initiatives like Wear It Pink and Secondary Breast Cancer Awareness Day help raise funds and awareness for vital research and support services.
- Share your story: Whether you’re a patient, survivor, or supporter, your voice can help others feel less alone.
When things don’t go as planned
While the NHS works hard to provide timely care, there are occasions when delays or miscommunications occur. These may be due to a range of factors, such as:
- Symptoms being misattributed to benign conditions
- Delays in follow-up appointments or referrals
- Imaging or biopsy results being misinterpreted
- Administrative or communication breakdowns
In some instances, delays can result in a later-stage diagnosis or the need for more aggressive treatment than might otherwise have been necessary. Understandably, this can have a profound effect on patients—not only in terms of their physical health, but also their emotional wellbeing, as they come to terms with a more complex or uncertain prognosis.
In our roles, we work with individuals who have experienced such challenges to help them understand what happened and whether their care met the expected standards.
Where appropriate, we explore whether a legal claim may help secure support for future treatment, rehabilitation, or financial stability. In some cases, a successful claim can also provide access to specialist therapies, psychological support, or home adaptations that may not be readily available through standard care pathways. Beyond financial compensation, many of our clients value the opportunity to gain answers, accountability, and reassurance that lessons will be learned to help prevent similar experiences for others.
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If you or a loved one has concerns about how breast cancer was diagnosed or treated, our team is here to listen. We offer sensitive, confidential advice and can help you understand your options—whether that’s seeking answers, accessing support, or exploring a potential claim.
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Emily Rose is an Associate in our expert Medical Negligence team, which is ranked in Tier One of the independently researched publication, The Legal 500.
If you have any questions in relation to the subjects discussed in this article, please contact Emily or another member of the team in Derby, Leicester or Nottingham on 0800 024 1976 or via our online form for more information.
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