Key Types of Breast Cancer Malpractice in Florida

Every year, breast cancer represents approximately 30% of all new cancer diagnoses among women in the United States. Below, we present the latest facts and statistics regarding breast cancer to enhance awareness and understanding. According to Breastcancer.org, approximately 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives, making it one of the most prevalent cancers among women in the country. 

In 2024 alone, researchers projected nearly 310,720 new cases of invasive breast cancer and an additional 56,500 cases of non-invasive breast cancer. Thankfully, with advancements in treatment—such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy—the prognosis for many patients is promising.

Unfortunately, mistakes made by healthcare providers can compromise a patient’s care. If you believe you’ve been harmed due to medical negligence in diagnosing or treating breast cancer, it’s crucial to consult a cancer malpractice attorney. Some of the key types of malpractice include:

• Inability to Gather a Comprehensive Medical History
  A strong genetic link exists in many breast cancer cases, making it vital for your physician to collect detailed family medical history, especially regarding breast cancer and other conditions. This should be done during your initial visit, and the information should guide future monitoring, including the potential need for more frequent mammograms.
• Not Following Up
  Many women diligently perform self-exams to detect lumps or other breast abnormalities. However, if you report such findings to your doctor, and they fail to investigate further, this could be a serious oversight. Even if no issues are found during a physical exam, your doctor should refer you to a specialist or order further screenings to rule out the possibility of cancer.
• Provider Communication Breakdown
  Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment often involve several healthcare professionals, making effective communication between them critical. An example of malpractice might occur if a physician orders the wrong type of mammogram, leading the radiologist to misread the images. This miscommunication could result in a missed diagnosis. Every physician involved in your care must address all concerns and clearly communicate their findings.
• Errors in Reviewing Lab Results
  Common mistakes in lab screenings include:
  • A radiologist misinterpreting mammogram results or attributing suspicious tissue to a non-cancerous condition.
  • A pathologist failing to detect abnormalities in biopsy samples.

These errors can lead to delayed diagnosis, depriving you of timely treatment, or a false-positive diagnosis, which could result in unnecessary and aggressive treatments.

Resource:
Breast Cancer Statistics

Jim Magazine

James (Jim) Magazine is a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer who has spent his career helping injured victims. Jim is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida since 1990 and is also admitted to practice at the Appellate level and admitted to the United States Supreme Court.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Florida Registration Status: Active
Bar Admissions:
Clearwater Bar Association
West Pasco Bar Association