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Breast cancer concern after wrong diagnosis
FEARS are growing that more Irish women who were given the all-clear from
breast cancer might actually have the disease.
It follows the discovery that seven patients received the wrong diagnosis from one of the country’s
largest hospitals.
The patients have had to undergo fresh examinations after a review of
their initial scans at Midlands Regional Hospital in Portlaoise where
they had received negative diagnoses.
Earlier this year it was found thousands of mammograms carried out at
the hospital over a four-year period would have to be reviewed after concerns
were raised regarding a consultant radiologist who was subsequently placed
on administrative leave.
The review of about 2,900 mammograms has led to the seven being told that
they have breast cancer.
As the Health Service Executive (HSE) review will not be completed until
later this month there are growing fears more women might be told their
original scans were flawed.
In a statement the HSE said mammograms from November 2003 to August 2007
had been reviewed and that seven of the group recalled have been identified
as having a diagnosis of breast cancer.
Revealing a full report would be published by the end of the month the
HSE said: “We are very sorry for the anxiety that this review has
caused to patients and their families.”
Dr Mary Hynes — assistant director in the HSE’s National Hospitals
Office — admitted the situation was a woman’s worst nightmare.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio she said about 250 women had been asked to
undergo a repeat examination as a result of the review.
Of those 45 had required further evaluation.
She said: “It is a very, very regrettable situation. It is one we
would not wish on anyone who has gone through our services.”
Dr Hynes said staff had raised concerns over a mismatch between mammogram
results and what had been reported medically.
Brest cancer campaign group Europa Donna said the news was devastating
and Health Minister Mary Harney expressed her deep concern.
Fine Gael health spokesman Dr James Reilly said the revelations were devastating
and his party colleague Charlie Flanagan accused the Government of failing
to follow through on the national cancer strategy. |
