Who's liable for breast cancer prevention? Your patient can sue--and win--if preventive options aren't made clear.
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.
Knaus
John V
JV
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St Francis Hospital, 355 Ridge Ave, Evanston, IL 60202, USA. jvk007@aol.com
D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003951:Diagnostic Errors / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D004032:Diet; D004282:Documentation; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016365:Liability, Legal; D008408:Mastectomy; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D013629:Tamoxifen / Q000627:therapeutic use
D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents; D013629:Tamoxifen