Breast scan failure shortened 270 lives

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt

ALMOST 270 women in England may have lost their live as a result of not receiving invitations to a final routine breast cancer screening, as stated by the Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt.

During his speech in the Commons, Hunt asserted that 450,000 women aged 68-71 has been unsuccessful to receive invitations since 2009.

Mr Hunt has declared an independent review and apologised to the patient which has been affected by this failure.

GP leaders noted they were “shocked” to find out about the failure and said implications for GPs would likely be “significant”.

In relation to the 450, 000 women affected by this failure, it has been announced that 309,000 are still alive and in their 70s.

Hunt stated: “For them and others it is incredibly upsetting to know that you did not receive an invitation for screening at the correct time and totally devastating to hear you may have lost or be about to lose a loved one because of administrative incompetence.”

He also added computer modelling pointed out that between 135 and 270 women may have had their lives shortened.

Also highlighted the fact that the way the local services sent out invitations could be a factor.

It is a major priority to do our very best to make sure that the additional scans do not cause any delays in the regular breast screening programme for those under 71,” he said.