A mother alleges that a doctor, in a rush, advised her to switch from wired bras after examining a lump, only for her to later receive a stage four cancer diagnosis. Laura Mcloughlin experienced sharp pains and discovered a large lump in her right breast in April 2020. Following a referral by her GP to a hospital breast clinic, she visited Bassetlaw Hospital in Worksop, Nottinghamshire. At the clinic, she felt hurried by a doctor at the end of his shift, who suggested the issue was likely hormonal and recommended changing to non-wired bras without conducting any scans.
Returning to the clinic in August 2020 due to an inverted nipple, Laura underwent ultrasound and mammogram tests, revealing lobular breast cancer in her right breast. Subsequently, doctors planned a double mastectomy to remove a 3.5-inch tumor but found that the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes and lower spine, rendering it incurable. Instead, she received targeted therapy treatment and has been on medication for five years.
Laura is now advocating for early medical attention for any concerning symptoms. Recalling her experience, she mentioned experiencing sharp breast pains and discovering a significant swelling under her breast. Despite a rushed initial consultation without scans, she eventually received a diagnosis of lobular breast cancer with a sizable tumor. Laura emphasized the importance of seeking medical guidance promptly.
Volunteering for the breast cancer charity Coppa Feel, Laura has been undergoing treatment, including multiple medications and entering early menopause. She described the emotional toll of informing her children about her condition and the ongoing hospital visits for treatment. Laura highlighted the uncertainty surrounding her prognosis but remains hopeful with current treatments prolonging her life.
Karen Jessop, Chief Nurse at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals, emphasized the seriousness of patient care concerns and encouraged individuals to reach out to the Trust’s Patient Advice and Liaison Service for support and resolution of any care-related issues.