Diagnostic delay of breast cancer – An analysis of claims to Swedish Board of Malpractice (LÖF)

Abstract

This study demonstrates that claims for compensation for delay in diagnosis of breast cancer in Sweden occur in about 1/1000 new patient. The delay in the diagnosis of the primary tumour was considered to have an impact on the magnitude of therapeutic measures in almost 25% of the women who filed claims. Economic compensation for the patients' injuries was given in ninety percent of the cases. In women for whom there was a delay in diagnosing the recurrence there was consequently a delay in starting the palliative therapy.