6,000 UK breast screenings to be reviewed because of concerns

Women who had breast cancer screening at a hospital in Essex are to have their records reviewed after "inconsistencies" were found.

The review involves more than 6,000 women who had mammograms at St Margaret's Hospital in Epping in 2003 and 2004.

Seven women have already been recalled and three of those have been diagnosed with breast cancer after originally being given the all-clear.

The review will involve 1,241 patients who have been called back for further assessment after a mammogram at St Margaret's Hospital breast screening unit.

A team of radiologists has been called in to review the cases and to decide if more women need further investigation. The review is expected to be completed by August.

The concerns have prompted the Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, which runs the screening, to commission a separate review of around 5,000 mammograms of women who attended routine screening between April 2003 and November 2004.

A spokeswoman says the women affected by these independent reviews are a priority, and the hospitals quality assurance team is working closely with the trust to ensure that the reviews take place as quickly as possible.

Dr Paul Watson, medical director of Essex Strategic Health Authority, says if anyone wishes to discuss the breast screening service, they can do so by contacting NHS Direct.

The screening unit is not expected to start up again until October.

The NHS Breast Screening Programme is open to all women aged between 50 and 70 for routine screening every three years, and encourages women over 70 to refer themselves.