Cancer missed now stage 4?

A family member had a breast lump checked 9 months ago was told nothing to worry about. Now just 9mths later she returned as the lump has grown and we had the devastating news of a now large tumour - and already spread to other organs and being incurable. We are trying to put our energy into supporting her in what comes next but can not shake that this was surely missed. Does anyone have any experience or knowledge that could help? Can a lump (same boob, same spot, same lump as far as we can tell) really be benign and not of concern then and in a matter of 9 months be malignant, large, spread and too late? Is it conceivably just bad lack that there was no cancer then and suddenly now all this - or was it most likely missed?

  • Hello ash.b, 

    A warm welcome to Cancer Chat. I am so sorry this happened to your family member. It's so sad and I hope that you will hear from others on here who have had a similar experience and that they will be along shortly to share it with you. 

    I am not sure myself what happened there and whether something was missed as I do not have the medical expertise but it might be worth asking your GP and discussing what happened in detail. Our nurses are also available on this free number 0808 800 4040 - their line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm so don't hesitate to talk things through with them. 

    Our thoughts are with you and your family member during this difficult time. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator