Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women in the U.S. and the second leading cause of death. 1 in 8 U.S. women are at risk of developing breast cancer. 1 in 28 of these women are at risk of dying from breast cancer. This year alone:

• Approximately 203,500 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.
• Approximately 39,600 women in the U.S. will die from breast cancer.

Women should be screened for breast cancer through regular breast examinations and screening mammograms. By screening women regularly, it is often possible to identify the pressence of cancer while the cancer is still in the early stages. When breast cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, it can often be treated with less intrusive procedures, and the woman has a much better chance of surviving. The 5-year survival rate for localized breast cancer (cancer that has not spread to the axillary lymph nodes) is 96%. If the cancer has spread regionally, the rate is 77%. For those women who are diagnosed with metastatic disease, the 5-year survival rate is only 21%.

Any undue delay in the diagnosis or treatment of breast cancer can have tragic consequences. Unfortunately, too often screening is not offered or performed , warning signs are ignored, and treatment is delayed. The following are among the more common forms of negligence or medical malpractice by physicians in diagnosing and/or breast treating cancer:

• Failing to perform routine screening;
• Failing to order a biopsy after a positive physical examination or mammogram result;
• Failing to follow up on the results of screening or testing results;
• Failing to recommend appropriate treatment options; and
• Failing to follow-up with the patient

The best way to protect yourself and your family is by regularly screening for breast cancer so that it can be diagnosed early and treated appropriately. If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with advanced (Stage II, Stage III or Stage IV) breast cancer and you believe that a doctor or other health care provider delayed the diagnosis of the cancer, or failed to properly treat the cancer, you should immediately contact a competent attorney.