Breast Cancer Awareness Month: The Importance of timely and quality medical care

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual campaign that takes place every October to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer, promote early detection, and support individuals affected by the disease. Whilst great strides have been made in improving breast cancer outcomes, it remains the most common cancer diagnosed in Australian women. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NCBF), since 1994 the 5-year survival rate has increased from 76% to 92% (and rising) however, the NBCF’s goal is to reach zero deaths from breast cancer. This month serves as a reminder not only of the need for regular screenings but also of the rights of patients to receive appropriate care, especially when facing a life-threatening condition.

At the Law Office of Conrad Curry, we advocate for patients and families who have been impacted by medical negligence in the context of breast cancer. We have shared some of our former clients’ stories below.

Isobel’s Story

Isobel, a 40-year-old successful businesswoman with metastatic breast cancer, tragically passed away due to alleged medical negligence. Whilst Isobel’s disease was incurable and the prognosis was 12 months, her oncologist aimed to extend her life as much as possible. In March 2016, Isobel was rushed to hospital after being found unresponsive and diagnosed with sepsis and opioid toxicity, likely due to her prescribed pain medications. Initial treatment, including Naloxone, showed positive results, and Isobel regained consciousness and began to recover.

However, despite her history of opioid toxicity, hospital staff reintroduced IV morphine. The following morning, her condition deteriorated, leading to the administration of further pain relief medications, including hydromorphone and midazolam. This resulted in respiratory acidosis and ultimately her death. Her family alleges that the hospital inappropriately prioritised end-of-life care, administering excessive pain medication rather than continuing her treatment for sepsis, which could have allowed her to recover and spend more time with her family.

Isobel’s parents say that the hospital failed to provide life support and that the hospital’s actions deprived Isobel of her remaining valuable time with her loved ones. Isobel’s family suffered significant psychological harm following her death, and with legal assistance, they pursued and resolved claims related to their mental harm.

Mary’s Story

In September 2020, Mary underwent a biopsy for an unusually large lump in her breast. She subsequently underwent a biopsy and Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) which showed that Mary had invasive ductal carcinoma (a common type of breast cancer). However, unfortunately Mary’s general practitioner failed to inform of her of the diagnosis and refer her for immediate further investigation.

In 2023, Mary attended a breast clinic and was informed of the results from 2020. Nearly 3 years had passed before Mary was made aware of her condition and began treatment. By then, her prognosis had worsened and her treatment options were limited due to the progression of the cancer.

The delay in diagnosis significantly reduced Mary’s chances of long-term survival and forced her to undergo more aggressive treatments, which could have been avoided if her general practitioner had acted on the biopsy results promptly. This case illustrates the critical importance of timely communication and referral for cancer treatment. Medical professionals have a duty to inform patients of any life-threatening conditions without delay, as failing to do so can have devastating effects on the patient’s health and well-being.

How we can help?

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we encourage everyone to prioritise their health by staying informed, attending regular screenings, and advocating for proper medical care. If you or someone you know has suffered due to medical negligence—whether from delayed breast cancer diagnosis or improper care our dedicated team is here to help.