One in ten cancer claims relate to breast cancer - MPS reminder for doctors to be vigilant

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer-related clinical negligence claim against GPs – making up one in ten cancer claims – according to the Medical Protection Society (MPS). The MPS figure is revealed during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, as a reminder for doctors to be extra vigilant with patient checks and referrals, particularly as the number of breast cancer sufferers continues to rise.

Failing to perform a physical examination, refer, or follow up after abnormal findings, were among the most common claim themes found during a recent study of MPS cases.

Dr Stephanie Bown, Director of Policy and Communications for the Medical Protection Society said, 'There is certainly a greater awareness of breast cancer as a disease among patients than there was around twenty years ago. However, it can still be difficult to detect and diagnose, so doctors need to be vigilant when it comes to spotting the signs and careful in carrying out checks and following up referrals.

Delays in diagnosis may not always be negligent, in fact, there were no clinical errors found in 43% of the overall cancer-related claims we studied. Whilst some of these claims were at an early stage of investigation so that clinical errors had not yet been identified, this finding also supports the growing body of research evidence that many claims relate to poor communication. It also emphasises how vital it is that the doctor is approachable and sensitive to the patient’s needs – we know that poor communication is a contributing factor in many claims.

The number of clinical negligence claims against health professionals continues to rise. This study suggests one fifth of all claims brought against GP members involve cancer and by far the most frequent type of errors made by GPs in these cases related to concerns over diagnosis (81% of all errors made by GPs in cancer claims).

This is a timely reminder of the importance of having safe systems to follow up tests and action results properly, and the value of high quality communication with the patient throughout.'

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Notes to editors

1. The figures were taken from a worldwide study of MPS members. Cases only include members practising as General Practitioners. The study looked at 243 cases including cancer, as the primary theme over a two-year period (2009-2010). Of these, 227 were brought against GPs practising in the UK (93%).
2. For further reading, see MPS’s Casebook article ‘Learning from clinical claims in primary care’