Test centres urged to tackle cancer misdiagnosis

A member of the team investigating the misdiagnosis of breast cancer sufferer Rebecca O’Malley urged the Government today to designate specialist testing centres around the country.

This comes after a second patient was mistakenly given the all-clear after pathologists misread two separate biopsy results.

Christine Murphy-Whyte, chairperson of breast cancer support group Europa Donna, said women needed to be reassured they could trust Irish cancer diagnosis services.

“The latest case indicates the urgent need for the HSE to immediately publish the requirements that cancer centres must observe if they are to be categorised as a specialist breast cancer centre,” Ms Whyte said.

“I am calling on the Health Service Executive (HSE) to prioritise the work of designating specialist breast centres around the country so that women can have confidence in the services available to them,” she said.

In the latest case, a woman underwent a biopsy at Barringtons Hospital, Limerick in September 2005, which was sent to University College Hospital Galway (UCHG) for analysis and came back negative.

But earlier this year she discovered another lump and a second biopsy was carried out in March, which again presented negative from UCHG.

Her doctor asked that it be rechecked and it was sent to Bon Secours Hospital in Cork, where it came back positive.

Health Minister Mary Harney this week apologised to the woman and ordered an investigation into the blunder.

Ms Whyte, who is working with the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) on the O’Malley case, said women concerned about breast cancer should attend designated centres where a method of triple assessment takes place.

This involves radiologists, an on-site pathologist and clinician.

“In this latest case, the biopsy was sent from Limerick to Galway and without the necessary quality assurance standards, such transfers will lead to errors,” she said.

“It is imperative that Irish specialist breast cancer centres operate to the highest standards internationally.

“Laboratory and testing services need to be available at the specialist centres, all of which will have to be resourced and staffed properly.”

The HIQA, which is to inquire into this latest case, is taking part in the Commission on Patient Safety, set up by Ms Harney in January and chaired by Dr Deirdre Madden.

Its work includes developing proposals for greater accountability within the health system.

Ms O’Malley was misdiagnosed after a biopsy at the Midwestern Regional Hospital, Limerick, in March 2005.

That sample was read at Cork University Hospital (CUH) laboratory.

A second biopsy 14 months later showed she did have cancer.

An eight-person team was set-up to look into the blunder, including patient representatives.