A study conducted in Europe says that patients may be able to trust the results of genetic breast cancer tests when they conflict with traditional tests. This report could be good news for those who have early stage breast cancer and want to avoid chemotherapy without putting themselves at any higher risk of seeing their cancer spread. The results of the study were presented at the American Association for Cancer Research.
Not having to go through chemotherapy means avoiding a procedure that is highly toxic to the body as well as emotionally exhausting. Patients who can avoid such treatment can also skip taking drugs such as tamoxifen that are part of a hormone-therapy regiment.
One of the biggest benefits is that patients may be able to avoid the expense that comes with chemotherapy as well as surgery and radiation that may be part of the process used to get rid of cancer. Researchers now want to know what the odds are that cancer may spread 10 to 15 years after opting not to undergo chemo based on the results of a genetic test. Unfortunately, the European test only spanned up to five years.
If a delayed diagnosis leads to the spread of cancer in a patient, he or she may take legal action against the responsible doctor. It may also be possible to take action against any other medical professional who may have acted in a negligent manner. Through the lawsuit, the victim may obtain compensation for medical bills, lost wages or other damages through a negotiated settlement or formal trial. An attorney may review the case in order to determine if a medical professional was negligent.
