Spain’s breast cancer screening scandal sparks public outrage – here’s what happened

Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Seville on Sunday to express their frustration over the non-publication of breast cancer screening results.

According to the conservative government in the southern region, nearly 2,300 women who underwent mammograms in public hospitals in recent years were not informed of their results, thus missing out on the opportunity to receive a correct diagnosis and detect potential cancer cases.

It also reduced access to early intervention treatments for cancer patients in the region.

What is breast cancer screening?

Breast cancer screening can help determine a person’s cancer risk and can therefore also help save lives.

This procedure uses a breast X-ray machine called a mammogram to take pictures of the inside of the breast. Specialists will then examine the mammogram results to check if there are any abnormal growths or changes in the person’s body.

As for those whose results were normal, they will not need any additional tests to prove the absence of cancer.

For those who have an unusual appearance in their breasts, doctors may need to do another test to get a final diagnosis.

Failed to deliver results

All tests performed on women undergoing breast cancer screening were inconclusive. And depriving the patient of the right to follow-up examinations

The regions are responsible for looking after public healthcare due to Spain’s decentralized political system.

However, the scandal reached a national scale when far-left Health Minister Mónica Garcia ordered all regions to hand over cancer screening data to improve government monitoring, according to the report released by the government. Agence France-Presse.

The report also stated that Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez was also angry with Conservative Leader Alberto Nuñez Viejo over the scandal.

Sanchez accused conservatives of “defending special health care interests.”

Women’s anger

AMAMA, an organization made up of women with breast cancer from Seville, revealed on Wednesday last week that it plans to sue the government.

Speaking to Antena 3 TV, AMAMA President Angela Claverol said that women “continue to live with cancer without knowing it.”

The failure to announce the results prompted women in many Andalusian cities to launch public protests. Based on local media report, these events attracted thousands of people who joined the crowd.

In Seville, the region’s capital, women dressed in pink were seen protesting in the streets and carrying banners with powerful messages such as “Your treatment is killing us.”

Another demonstrator, who had undergone a double mastectomy, kissed another breast cancer patient, according to AFP reporters.

The government is responding

The protests prompted the leader of the Andalusia region, Juanma Moreno, to feel under pressure and revealed the resignation of the Minister of Health on Wednesday night.

Carolina Spain, spokeswoman for the regional government, announced this earlier 119 other professionals It would enhance the capacity of breast cancer units. They pledged to improve facilities and services in the area.

She also stated that the authorities are working to conduct a full analysis to find out why the breast cancer screening failed to be issued.

Originally published on IB Times UK