Tina Koral, Author and Breast Cancer Survivor develops a booklet to help reduce risk of misdiagnosis in young women

Misdiagnosis booklet

Tina Koral, author and five-year breast cancer survivor has developed a booklet intended to reduce the risk of breast cancer misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis in young women. “Reducing the Risk of Misdiagnosis and Delayed Diagnosis of Breast Cancer: Information and Tools for Young Women,” booklet introduces readers to the well known problem of misdiagnosis and/or the delay of diagnosis of breast cancer in young women presenting to their doctors with breast masses.

The booklet describes the reasons that a misdiagnosis can occur and ways a woman can reduce their personal risk. Also included is a worksheet women and their families can use to assist in conversations with their doctors if she suspects breast cancer. 

 Unfortunately, some young women and their doctors are unaware that they are at risk for breast cancer, and breast lumps may be misdiagnosed as fibrocystic disease, or a “wait and see” approach will be initiated while their breast lumps increase in size and become more difficult to treat. The information and tools in Tina’s booklet will help foster effective patient-doctor communication, which is an important key in the reduction of breast cancer malpractice. It becomes a tool, that patients who suspect that they have breast cancer can use to build that bridge of communication, not only between patient and doctor, but within the medical community as well. 

“Because breast cancer is more common in an older population, doctors sometimes dismiss a young woman’s breast symptoms. I don’t want what happened to me to happen to anyone else,” says Koral, who was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer after being told by two Chicago area doctors that the lump she felt in her breast was only a cyst.

Tina is one of Fight Pink’s contributing freelance writers.  She is also the author of “If I Just Breathe” a memoir. Tina is instrumental in bringing awareness to the world about how Breast Cancer can affect younger women, and that the cancer is much more aggressive.  Tina also has a  Cancer Book Review blog, take a look at her blog, to keep up with the latest books Tina is reviewing! 

Tina gives permission and encourages health care providers and patients to download “Reducing the Risk of Misdiagnosis and Delayed Diagnosis of Breast Cancer: Information and Tools for Young Women” and to copy and distribute at will. 

 Stacy Martello