Health Authorities Provide Additional Information on Patient Retesting - Jul 16, 2009

Today, the four regional health authorities provided additional information on the review process for ER/PR testing. Information released today pertains to changes in test results for the additional 65 patients identified on June 11, 2009.

 

Specific information on these 65 cases is as follows:

 

ER/PR testing is just one factor among many that is used to determine the course of treatment. A changed ER/PR test result does not necessarily mean that appropriate cancer treatment was delayed. It is also important to note that these numbers do not indicate that there is a relationship between an inaccurate ER/PR test and progression of the disease. It should also be noted that statistics on mortality status do not explain the causes of death or indicate a causal relationship between ER/PR testing and life expectancy.  Based on the June, 2009 update, all known living patients have been contacted regarding retesting. Efforts have and will continue to be made to contact the next-of-kin for the deceased of this group about how to obtain results.

 

The Provincial Government requested the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information to undertake a more robust review of ER/PR testing in the province in the Fall of 2008. This comprehensive, provincial review by NLCHI is now complete. Individuals requiring additional information can contact their local regional health authority.

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