‘Error’ made chemo and mastectomy necessary

A woman would not have had to have chemotherapy or a right-side mastectomy if a correct diagnosis had been made when she went for a Breast Check mammogram, it has been claimed before the High Court.

Retired teacher Eileen Fennessy has sued the HSE over an alleged failure to diagnose breast cancer in a 2011 mammogram and an alleged delay in diagnosis.

Her counsel Pat Treacy told the High Court yesterday Ms Fennessy’s GP later found a large mass in her right breast in October 2012 and referred her for an ultrasound and a biopsy.

She was shown to have a Grade 2 carcinoma and began chemotherapy straight away with a right-side mastectomy carried out in April 2013.

Counsel told the court it was Ms Fennessy’s contention the chemo and mastectomy would not have been required if the correct diagnosis had been made when she had the mammogram in 2011.

“What was properly diagnosed in 2012 was there to be seen in 2011,” he said.

He said while Ms Fennessy is now cancer free, the underlying diagnosis for her is extremely serious.

Ms Fennessy, aged 69, The Meadows, Piltown, Co Kilkenny, has sued the HSE, which oversees the Breast Check National Breast Screening Programme for alleged negligence and breach of duty.