Legal issues in managing breast disease.

The impact of legal issues in breast cancer care reflects the significance of breast cancer as a health concern of women. Breast cancer has emerged as a leading liability risk for primary care physicians, with most cases focusing on delayed diagnosis. Although the clinical impact of delayed diagnosis of breast cancer is often controversial, physicians should strive to diagnose breast cancer as early as possible in the natural history of the disease. No currently available data suggest that a delay of less than 2 months between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis or treatment adversely influences outcome. Techniques that help physicians reduce the liability risks associated with breast cancer care include patient education, adequate documentation and follow-up, and referral or consultation in high-risk situations.