by Maureen Lafrenière

Following the government-ordered re-testing of nearly 3,000 breast cancer pathology samples in 2009 (see BCAM Bulletin, Spring 2010), Quebec’s College of Physicians is currently reviewing 15,000 mammograms and CT scans interpreted by a single radiologist working at three Montreal-area screening clinics.

The investigation was undertaken after a quality-control check revealed irregularities in the test interpretations.  Announced in early November, the review was expected to take 6 months and all patients whose scans are being re-evaluated were to be contacted by letter before the end of December.  Patients will not be required to undergo new tests, as existing scans will be evaluated by other radiologists. The College of Physicians promised “fast-track” follow-up and care if any false-negative results are uncovered. The quality-control programme was implemented over two years ago by the College in the wake of the investigation into errors in pathology test results.

Radiologists sued  Approximately two weeks after the announcement about the re-testing, a lawyer representing two cancer patients held a press conference to announce lawsuits against two Québec radiologists for incorrect interpretations of mammograms that resulted in delayed diagnoses.  Both patients are now undergoing treatment for advanced breast cancer.

The lawyer suggested that the province should carry out regular performance reviews for radiologists as well as random and blind quality-control testing. Both radiologists continue to work interpreting other images, but have been suspended from analyzing mammograms pending the results of the investigation.

About 650,000 mammograms are carried out in Quebec annually. According to the College of Physicians, the diagnosis error rate in Quebec – around 5% – is in line with other provinces.

Sources :

Derfel, Aaron. “Mammograms Spark Lawsuits Against Radiologists.” The Montreal Gazette (November 25, 2010).

CBC News. “Quebec to Review 15,000 Mammograms.” (cbc.ca; last updated November 11, 2010).

CBC News. “Quebec Breast Cancer Patients Sue Over Misdiagnosis.” (cbc.ca; last updated November 24, 2010).

Millberg, Steve. “2nd Quebec Radiologist Sued for Mammogram.” Radiology Daily (November 29, 2010).