Victim tells of her ordeal

Eve Acorn learned she had breast cancer five months after being given the allclear by Charing Cross Hospital.

Mrs Acorn, 59, of Greenford, had a history of breast lumps and had attended a specialist clinic for 20 years when she was contacted by West London Breast Screening Services for a mammogram in January 1998.

"It came back all clear but I told the radiographer I had a lump I was worried about," said the teacher. "I was so worried I brought forward my usual appointment to March. My regular consultant at Hammersmith Hospital wanted a scan but had to refer me back to the Breast Screening Service. I had a scan and asked for a needle biopsy, but they said no. Two weeks later my consultant said he did want a needle test."

On her return to the clinic, Mrs Acorn claimed she had a "cursory scan" and staff refused to carry out the needle test. "They were shouting at me when I stood my ground," she said.

Eventually her consultant referred her elsewhere for a biopsy which found abnormal cells. "In June my surgeon took out the lump. It was malignant. I cannot tell you how upset I was."