An official report into the chemotherapy scandal at NHS Tayside has confirmed patients may have been put at an increased risk of developing recurrent breast cancer.
The Courier revealed on Friday that a risk assessment by an independent panel into the treatment of 304 individuals given lower than standard doses of a chemotherapy drug in Tayside would advise of a potential detrimental impact to patient health.
The report, published on the Scottish Government website on Tuesday afternoon, states that as a result of the chemotherapy regime offered in Tayside, one more patient in every 100 (around one a year) may have seen their cancer return after initial treatment.
Responding to the publication of the report, Chief Medical Officer Dr Catherine Calderwood said: “This report looks closely at the level of risk to women as a result of the different clinical practice in treating breast cancer in NHS Tayside.
“It concludes that the risk is very small, with the chance of a negative impact estimated at around 1%. However, I absolutely recognise that current and former patients, and their families, may be concerned and have questions with regards to their treatment.
“It is important that anyone who has concerns about their treatment speaks with their oncologist. NHS Tayside has been in contact with all patients affected to offer them an appointment with an oncologist.
“All but 13 of those who want to take up the offer of an appointment have already been booked in and the board is waiting to hear back from the 13 outstanding patients.”
