Thousands in breast cancer alert

Thousands of women may have been sent the wrong breast cancer results after a blunder at a screening centre.

Three women given the all-clear after tests have been told they have cancer, and are having treatment. In all, more than 6,000 results are being checked after "inconsistencies" were found at St Margaret's Hospital in Epping, Essex.

The screening centre was closed after the problem was discovered in November, but managers had been trying to keep the situation quiet until after the election.

An initial review by Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, which runs the centre, identified-seven patients whose results needed more investigation, three of whom were found to have cancer. Irregularities were found in the way staff used equipment to do biopsies.

Now a full review of 1,241 cases screened at the unit in 2003 and 2004 is being carried out, and is expected to be finished by August.

There are also concerns about how radiological screening was done, and 5,000 mammograms of women who went for routine tests between April 2003 and November 2004 are being checked. A statement from the NHS Cancer Screening Programme, which co-ordinates services, said: "The women affected are our number-one priority and we have been working closely with the Trust to ensure that the reviews take place as quickly as possible.

"Should any woman need to be contacted we will work with the Trust to ensure the necessary care is put in place swiftly.

"The breast screening unit in Epping will not restart until there is compliance with NHS Breast Screening Programme's standards and guidelines."

In the meantime it is likely women needing mammograms will be sent to privately-run services. Dr Paul Watson, medical director of Essex Strategic Health Authority, said: "The possibility of a recall may be a worry for local women. If anyone wishes to discuss the breast screening service they can contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647."

The lead consultant radiologist at the screening unit has left and a replacement has been appointed.

John Gilham, chief executive of Princess Alexandra trust, said: "We anticipate the service will be fully operational again by the New Year of 2006.

"We have already agreed to the transfer of women to the Victoria Breast Screening Unit in Romford."