During this annual campaign, women everywhere are educated about the disease and are reminded to schedule their yearly mammogram (x-ray image of breast) which enables doctors to detect breast cancer in its earliest stage. Unquestionably, the key to survival is early diagnosis, as the earlier the breast cancer is diagnosed the better the patients chance are for long term survival.
In patients with average breast cancer risk, the American Cancer Society recommends that:
- Women should have the opportunity to begin annual screening between the ages of 40 and 44 years.
- Women should undergo regular screening mammography starting at age 45 years.
- Women aged 45 to 54 years should be screened annually.
- Women 55 years and older should transition to biennial screening or have the opportunity to continue screening annually.
- Women should continue screening mammography as long as their overall health is good and they have a life expectancy of 10 years or longer.
All women should discuss their options with their physician, and select a mammography schedule that is appropriate based upon their family and personal health history and preference.
In addition to annual screening, here are a few other actions that patients can take to protect their breast health:
- Have your mammogram at a facility where experienced, board certified radiologists, with a specialty in breast imaging, are interpreting the films;
- Choose a facility at which the latest technology, including 3-D mammography, is available;
- Keep in mind that the Mammography Quality Standards Act requires that “a summary of the written report shall be sent directly to patients in terms easily understood by a lay person.”
- If you do not receive your mammography results, DO NOT assume that the results are normal;
- If you DO NOT receive your mammography results within a reasonable time period (10-14 days, call to ask for your results and continue to follow-up until the results are in your possession;
- Always make sure that your results are sent to you in writing;
- Ask that a copy of your results be sent to your gynecologist;
- If you have any questions about your mammography results, or if there something on the report which you receive which you don’t understand, call your gynecologist or ordering physician to get your questions answered;
- Make sure to have all recommended follow up testing.
Although all patients expect to receive good quality care, there are occasions when errors are made, causing a delay in the diagnosis of breast cancer. Some common mistakes include:
- The failure by the radiology facility to transmit the results to the patient’s ordering physician
- or to the patient as is required under the law;
- The failure of the radiology facility and/or the gynecologist to follow up with the patient to explain that additional testing is required;
- The failure by the radiologist to detect an abnormality that is visible on the images and which should be diagnosed;
- Poor quality and outdated imaging leading to the inability to detect small cancers.
Medical mistakes can delay a breast cancer diagnosis and can delay the start of appropriate treatment. Such a delay can mean the difference between life and death. If you, or your loved one, have experienced a delay in diagnosis, or have been misdiagnosed, call the Medical Malpractice team at Javerbaum Wurgaft, they are here to help you.