Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Know the symptoms and your rights

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with one woman diagnosed every 10 minutes. In the UK, around 55,000 women and 400 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year, and one in seven women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an important reminder of how far we’ve come in raising awareness and improving survival rates – but also how vital it is to empower individuals to recognise the signs of breast cancer early and understand their legal rights if something goes wrong in their care.

Knowing the symptoms

Early detection is one of the most important factors in breast cancer survival. However, a delayed diagnosis can mean the difference between a manageable early-stage cancer and a more advanced, less treatable condition.

Common breast cancer signs and symptoms include:

• A lump or swelling in the breast, upper chest or armpit. You might feel the lump but not see it.
• Changes in the size or shape of the breast
• A change in skin texture eg. puckering or dimpling of the skin
• A change in the colour of the breast – the breast may look red or inflamed
• Rash, crusting or changes to the nipple
• Any unusual discharge from either nipple

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your GP as soon as possible – and to persist if your concerns aren’t taken seriously. You know your body best, and you may need to advocate for yourself to get access to the right medical care quickly.

Faster diagnosis standard (28 days)
75% of individuals referred urgently for suspected cancer should get a diagnosis or be told cancer is ruled out within 28 days of the referral.

Cancer Research UK found that in February 2025, approximately 80.2% of people being referred met that standard. However, that still means nearly 20% of patients waited longer than 28 days for a diagnosis or to get the all‑clear.

62‑day referral to treatment standard
Once referred urgently for suspected cancer, the NHS has a target to get at least 85% of people starting treatment within 62 days.

Cancer Research UK reported that in February 2025, only 67.0% of people in England started treatment within 62 days. This means 33% of cancer patients (which includes breast cancer and others) started treatment later than this 62‑day standard.

What are your rights?

A delayed diagnosis of breast cancer can occur for several reasons, including:

• Failure to refer for further investigation or specialist care
• Misinterpretation of scans or mammograms
• Inadequate physical examination
• Lost or overlooked test results
• Dismissal of early symptoms due to age or gender bias

A delay of several weeks may or may not qualify as negligent, depending on how far the delay was beyond accepted standards, whether there was harm caused and whether the diagnostic process was reasonable.

If a delay has directly impacted your prognosis or treatment options, you may be entitled to compensation.

Making a medical negligence claim

Pursuing a claim can feel daunting, particularly if you’re already dealing with a diagnosis and treatment. But a successful claim can:

• Provide financial support for care, loss of earnings or future needs
• Acknowledge the impact the delay has had on your life
• Drive improvements in medical practice and accountability

As solicitors, we work with experienced medical experts to assess whether the care provided met acceptable standards and whether earlier action could have changed the outcome.

We approach each case with sensitivity, clarity, and a commitment to ensuring our clients are supported through every step of the process.

If you believe your breast cancer was diagnosed later than it should have been, and you’ve suffered as a result, we’re here to help. Our team of experienced medical negligence solicitors will handle your enquiry with confidentiality, compassion, and care.

Charities making a difference

We strongly support the charities working hard to raise awareness, prevent breast cancer and educate the public:

CoppaFeel!

CoppaFeel! focuses on early detection and education for young people, encouraging monthly self-checks and breaking the stigma around breast health. Its tools and reminder services are simple, effective, and potentially lifesaving.

CoppaFeel! | Check Your Chest | Breast Cancer Awareness Charity

Breast Cancer UK

Breast Cancer UK champions prevention through research and education, highlighting the environmental and lifestyle factors that may contribute to breast cancer risk. Its science-backed resources are a great starting point for anyone looking to take control of their health.

Breast Cancer UK | Reduce Your Risk

Both charities also campaign for better policies, funding, and public awareness, all of which are crucial in the fight against breast cancer.

As medical negligence solicitors, we see first-hand the devastating impact that delays in diagnosis and treatment can have on individuals and their families. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a powerful reminder not only of the importance of early detection but also of the right to safe, timely, and appropriate medical care.

If that standard is not met, resulting in harm, you have the right to seek answers and justice. We stand with those affected, support the incredible work of awareness charities, and remain committed to helping patients navigate their legal rights with compassion, clarity, and care.