How do I find out about my rights as a breast cancer patient?

It is useful to know your rights as a patient. Every hospital should have a statement of patient rights. You can ask for a copy during hospital admission or before. The statement of patient’s rights should cover informed consent, privacy during physical examinations, and the right to refuse participation in hospital research experiments.

When examining the hospital’s patient’s bill of rights, look for patient-centered phrases, not just statements designed to protect the hospital or doctors from medical malpractice lawsuits. Some hospitals have a patient representative or ombudsman department that you can call about the cold mashed potatoes or rude staff.