Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which takes place annually during October, aims to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, highlight the importance of breast awareness and fundraise for improved treatment, care and services for patients.

Events will take place across the UK this month to mark the national awareness month with a host of cancer charities, including Wear it Pink and Breast Cancer Care, pledging their involvement in the campaign.

In the UK, every year almost 55,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer, equivalent to one person every 10 minutes. Eighty-five percent of people survive breast cancer beyond five years, but it still accounts for nearly 12,000 deaths every year.

Joint national practice lead of the clinical negligence team at Thompsons Solicitors, Linda Millband said: “Thanks to huge amounts of fundraising and research, great strides have been made in the fight against breast cancer and Breast Cancer Awareness Month plays an important part in helping to keep the disease at the front of people’s minds.

“As with any type of cancer, early diagnosis can dramatically improve a patient’s prognosis and, from our work with victims of cancer misdiagnosis, we know first-hand the devastation any delay can have. Sadly, as well as misdiagnosis, there have been terrible cases of poor or inadequate treatment such as that suffered by the hundreds of victims of negligent breast surgeon Ian Paterson who, using a controversial unapproved technique, left many vulnerable to their cancer returning.

“Early detection, prevention and the best treatment of breast cancer are the key areas of focus for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. During October, and always, we urge the government to ensure there is proper funding for NHS cancer services so that patients have the best chance of survival through prompt diagnosis and treatment.”