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U.K. women get
false breast cancer all-clear

U.K. women get
false breast cancer all-clear

As many as 17 U.K. women have been told they likely are facing advanced breast cancer after a radiologist had incorrectly told them they were clear of cancer tumors, The Times reports. The hospitals where the radiologist worked employed only one radiological staff member, and because of that his analyses of mammograms were never checked by other employees, which is a standard safety measure at most U.K. hospitals, health officials say.

The radiologist was suspended by Trafford Healthcare NHS Trust last April over concerns about the quality of his work. A review of his patients' records and mammogram analyses showed that misdiagnoses could have "significantly altered" the chances of survival for the 17 patients who had detectable tumors but were told they were cancer-free and were not properly diagnosed for at least three more months. One of the patients had been told she did not have tumors more than two years ago, during which time the cancer had significantly progressed in her body.

U.K. health officials say the reports indicate that radiologists should work in pairs to double-check each other's work, particularly when screening mammograms.

Studies have shown that lesbians may be at a higher risk of breast cancer than heterosexual women and that they may seek mammograms to detect early signs of breast cancer at much lower rates than their heterosexual peers. (Advocate.com)

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