If I Just Breathe

A misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of breast cancer can be caused by:

• Failure to order proper tests, such as fine-needle aspirations, mammograms, ultrasounds, MRIs, or biopsies
  
  
• Failure to properly read or evaluate test results
  
  
• Failure to follow up on test results, such as referrals to a breast specialist
  
  
• Failure to order more tests if the results are inconclusive
  
  
• Failure to listen to patient’s complaints

• Failure to adequately screen for increased risk (age, ethnicity, family or personal history, gender)

• Failure to identify obvious physical findings during examination, such as a breast lump or nipple discharge  

There are many steps you can take to avoid or reduce the risk of a misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis if you suspect breast cancer.

1. See a doctor. Most of the time, doctor’s diagnoses are correct and accurate. Don’t self-diagnose any breast problem based on the Internet, books, or advice from friends or family. Never avoid seeing a doctor based on your own suspicions. Provide your doctor with as much information as possible about your symptoms and family history of breast cancer and gynecological cancers.
   
   
2. Get a referral for a breast specialist. A breast specialist or surgeon is even less likely to misdiagnose a breast mass than your primary care doctor. 
   
   
3. Get a second opinion. If you are not satisfied with the care you have received you’re your doctor, or if your doctor does not take your complaints seriously, see another doctor. If the doctors agree, the chances of a misdiagnosis are greatly reduced. If they don’t agree, be persistent until a correct diagnosis is reached. 
   
   
4. Ask for a diagnosis. Ask your doctor to specifically name their diagnosis. Exactly what is the diagnosis? Is it a fibrocystic condition? A benign tumor? Breast cancer? Make sure you and your doctor are both clear on what your explicit diagnosis is. Do not let him/her ignore your complaints without giving you a reasonable response as to why you may be feeling the way that you do. If you're not satisfied with your diagnosis, ask for more tests, and question your doctor about what else your symptoms could mean.
   
   
5. Ask questions. If you do not understand the diagnosis, and the reasons the doctor has given you the diagnosis, it is difficult to assess its accuracy. Are any other diagnoses possible? What other diseases has your doctor ruled out? Which ones have been tested for or ruled out?
   
   
6. Read test reports. Make sure your name is on the report and that the test given was appropriate for your specific condition.  If you do not understand the results, ask the doctor to discuss them in further detail with you.
   
   
7. Research breast diseases. The best way to feel confident in your diagnosis is to understand the characteristics of the disease. Research your disease, how it is diagnosed, and what tests are typical.

If You Suspect a Misdiagnosis...

1. Remain calm. Do not call the doctor and accuse him or her of a medical mistake. Calmly ask the doctor what happened. Any ethical doctor will discuss your care and why certain decisions were made.
   
   
2. If you still suspect malpractice, obtain your complete medical record from your doctor's office.
   
   
3. Keep a detailed record of events, dates, conversations, and names of doctors, nurses, and technicians who were involved in your care.
   
   
4. Contact an experienced, qualified medical malpractice attorney in your state. Be aware of the statute of limitations in your state.

Exerpted from If I Just Breathe, Tina Koral, ISBN #1440419922. Order Now 

Download a PDF of "How to Prevent a Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis of Breast Cancer" to distribute to your family, friends, and colleagues.

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