The patient, who had a history of breast cancer, sought care at a health center after discovering a lump in the operated breast, Region Västerbotten said. After an examination, the patient was referred to mammography, which was performed after approximately three months. Following the mammography, it was assessed that the patient should return for complementary examinations, but these were delayed by over five months. Overall, it took approximately eight months from when the patient sought care until they received treatment, the region reported. According to Smålandsposten, the discovery of the second cancer diagnosis was delayed by almost a year, though the exact nature of the relapse and treatment has not been disclosed.
An investigation of the incident by Region Västerbotten shows a lack of compliance with routines, and a shortage of breast radiologists and mammography nurses may also have contributed to the diagnosis taking a long time. The region has not specified how common such delays are for cancer patients or the current status of addressing staffing shortages. In response, Region Västerbotten has investigated the case and developed measures to reduce the risk of repetition, though the specific measures have not been detailed. The case has been reported to the Health and Social Care Inspectorate (Inspektionen för vård och omsorg) for review according to Lex Maria, with the outcome of that review still pending.
Lex Maria is a law that entails certain obligations for the region as a healthcare provider, according to Region Västerbotten. If a patient in healthcare suffers or risks serious injury or illness, this must be reported to the Health and Social Care Inspectorate. The purpose of Lex Maria is to guarantee safe care and good quality, the region explained. One way to strengthen healthcare is to learn from mistakes that are made, and incidents that lead to reporting are also of public interest, Region Västerbotten added. Region Västerbotten also sends out a press release in connection with the report, as part of its communication efforts.