Legal action possible after breast scan review
TGB’s Tim White says the findings from the independent review of digital mammograms in South Australia, released today, have strengthened the possibility of legal action.
A review of 54,000 digital mammograms was launched in December 2012 after lower than expected cancer rates were detected.
The final report revealed there were “72 cancers that were potentially detectable at the time of (the) initial screening”.
These cancers were not detected until the subsequent rescanning process.
A number of systematic problems have been blamed including poor screen reading practices, image quality issues and the 25 month transition from analogue to digital screening.
“Today’s report is devastating for the 72 women who have breast cancer, which should have been detected earlier,” Mr White said.
“While I am still examining the full final report, it seems clear that there were a number of errors with Breastscreen SA’s processes, which is unacceptable, particularly when dealing with a health issue as serious as cancer.”
Tindall Gask Bentley has been contacted by over 60 women and more than half fall within the relevant review period.
“Breast cancer treatment takes a huge physical, emotional and financial toll, with on-going treatment that can last for many years, and many of these women may have a right to be compensated for their losses,” Mr White said.
Tindall Gask Bentley is continuing its investigations into this matter.
Read the full report here.
To register your interest in potential legal action, click here or contact Partner Tim White on (08) 8212 1077.