Who's liable for breast cancer prevention? Your patient can sue--and win--if preventive options aren't made clear.

John V Knaus

Journal: Postgraduate medicine 2002;111(2):83-4, 87-8, 91-2

PMID: 11868315

Abstract

Strategies to reduce the likelihood of breast cancer in high-risk patients present complex medical-legal issues. An accurate and thorough medical history, objective calculation of risk, thorough discussion of preventive options and side effects, meticulous documentation of physician-patient interactions, and meticulous follow-up are essential. These elements form the foundation of a sound approach to breast cancer prevention in high-risk patients and should reduce physician liability if cancer occurs.

Address: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St Francis Hospital, 355 Ridge Ave, Evanston, IL 60202, USA. [email protected]

DOI: 10.3810/pgm.2002.02.1110

Link outs

Free resources

Medical:

https://medlineplus.gov/breastcancer.html

Miscellaneous:

https://assays.cancer.gov/CPTAC-1242

Subscription / membership required

Full Text Sources:

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.3810/pgm.2002.0...

MeSH Terms: Anticarcinogenic Agents, Breast Neoplasms, Diagnostic Errors, Diet, Documentation, Exercise, Female, Humans, Liability, Legal, Mastectomy, Risk Assessment, Risk Factors, Tamoxifen