In April I wrote a blog about the shocking revelation that 1,500 women who were at very high risk of breast cancer, due to previously undergoing radiotherapy to treat Hodgkin lymphoma, had been missed from an NHS screening programme.

Whilst NHS England has since offered urgent catch-up MRI scans for these women, my concern was that some may have already developed breast cancer that was diagnosed too late, with huge implications for their health.

Since my last blog, JMW has been contacted by women, or their partners, who have received letters from NHS England to say they are part of the 1,500 cohort and tragically all have been diagnosed with breast cancer. I suspect the breast cancer would have been diagnosed at a much earlier stage if they had undergone the annual MRI scans that they ought to have had and will be investigating what impact the delay may have caused.

Some of the physical issues these women have faced, which I believe may have been preventable, include requiring more extensive treatment, having a reduced life expectancy, and the suffering and poor health that comes with an advanced breast cancer diagnosis. With this issue affecting women who had radiotherapy between 1962 and 2003, it is entirely possible that some had already died of breast cancer before being told of the error.

However, the psychological effects are potentially the most damaging part of what could turn out to be a full-scale NHS scandal that will see hundreds of families devastated. We are currently unclear how many women have suffered harm, and this is being reviewed. It may be that a compensation scheme will need to be set up, as is being done for people with haemophilia who contracted HIV and hepatitis after being given infected blood by the NHS.

However, even if an official scheme is not set up, I will still be able to claim compensation for any women who have suffered harm due to not being provided with screening. This can be used to ease the financial burden of not being able to work, and to provide for the future for any children or other dependents if their prognosis is sadly very poor.

My colleagues in the medical negligence team at JMW and I provide free initial advice and if we believe a case should be opened for investigation, can provide no win, no fee agreements. This means that families can obtain the answers they are seeking and secure compensation, without having to worry about financial risks at an already difficult time.

Get in touch with our team today to see how we may be able to help.