McManus calls for fundamental review of cancer test system

LABOUR’S Liz McManus has called for a fundamental review of how breast cancer tests are processed after it emerged a second botched test resulted in a woman not being treated for the condition for a year-and-a-half.

Ms McManus, who yesterday described the second case as an “alarming development”, said it was even more serious than that involving Tipperary mother-of-three Rebecca O’Malley, who went public earlier this year about her misdiagnosis.

In the latest case, a 51-year-old woman, also from Co Tipperary, was wrongly given the all-clear twice.

The errors occurred in relation to two tests in September 2005 and June 2006.

A pathology report on a breast lump sent by Barrington’s, a private hospital in Limerick, to University College Hospital Galway stated mistakenly there was no evidence of malignancy. In June 2006, the woman returned for a mammogram, which came back normal.

It was not until March this year that further biopsies confirmed cancer.

The woman is undergoing chemotherapy at the Midwest Regional Hospital. Her treatment was delayed by 18 months because of the errors.

Ms McManus said the incidents reinforced the case made by her party for a patient safety authority.

Health Minister Mary Harney, who has apologised to the woman, said a statutory inquiry would be considered. She said the Medical Council would be fully briefed on the case and asked to examine it.

The hospital has asked the Health Information and Quality Authority to review its pathology services. The authority’s investigation of the case is expected to be completed by October.

Irish Cancer Society chief executive John McCormack urged any women concerned after being given the all-clear for breast cancer to go back to their doctor and express their anxieties.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) said the Galway hospital had already begun a preliminary look back on cancer tests carried out between September 2005 and March 2007, when the false test readings were made by two different doctors.

A HSE spokesperson said it was not aware of any other case where a false test reading had been made by the hospital’s laboratory, where about 750 breast cancer biopsies are performed each year.

UCHG hospital manager Bridget Howley yesterday offered an unreserved apology to the woman.

lThose with concerns should call Action Breast Cancer at 1800 309040 or email [e-mail] or visit www.cancer.ie.

lUniversity College Hospital Galway has established a helpline to provide information and support to patients. The number is 1800 25 20 16.