Abstract
The past decade has seen an intense focus on the evaluation of American women for the detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. A concomitant increase in lawsuits filed for delay in diagnosis of breast cancer has occurred, creating consternation in the medical community. Efforts in responding to this public health challenge, comprised by fear of legal reprisal, may be supported by careful and deliberate planning that incorporates risk management principles and an understanding of different goals to be attained with consequent medical and legal responsibilities.