A WOMAN developed cancer and died after wrongly being excluded from Scotland's cervical screening programme.

Hundreds of women are now being recalled for fast-tracked appointments for cervical screening after an error meant women who should have been screened were not.

Around 430 women have been incorrectly excluded from the Scottish cervical screening programme over the last 24 years.

Women's Health Minister Maree Todd offered her condolences to the family of the woman who died and apologised to all affected by the error.

An urgent review of cases has now been carried out after a "small number" of women who were not screened developed cancer.

Ms Todd said: "These exclusions from the cervical screening programme should not have happened and I want to apologise to all those affected by this error.  

"I offer my heartfelt apologies in particular to the women who were excluded from the programme who went on to develop cancer, and to their families.

"Anyone whose records indicate they may have had a sub-total hysterectomy after 1997 and been wrongly excluded from screening will have received a letter or be in the process of receiving one within the next few days and will be offered an appointment appropriate to their individual circumstances.

"While some exclusions have been wrongly applied across Scotland, the vast majority will have been applied correctly and additional control measures have been put in place to prevent any new exclusions from being applied incorrectly."

The Scottish Government is providing funding to the charity Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust to ensure its helpline is appropriately resourced for anyone seeking support or reassurance. 

Ms Todd added: “It is important to stress that the overall risk of developing cervical cancer remains low and people should not be unduly alarmed. 

"There is no need for anyone who does not receive a letter to take any action but it remains important for everyone, whether affected by this issue or not, to be alert for symptoms of cervical cancer and contact your GP practice if you have any. Further information on symptoms can be found on NHS inform."

The Scottish Government said an issue came to light during a routine audit of cervical cancer data in a single NHS Health Board. 

This found that a small number of women had been excluded from the programme some years ago following a hysterectomy, but had unfortunately subsequently developed cervical cancer. 

Sadly, one of those women has died.

Scottish Labour deputy leader and health and social care spokesperson, Jackie Baillie, called the situation "extremely serious" and called for more details from the government as to why the error was not discovered sooner. 

Ms Baillie said: “It is, of course, critical that women are contacted urgently and offered information and support. 

“Can I ask the Minister why was this not picked up by audits of the screening programme in the past? 

“Can I also ask the Minister when all the women affected will not just be identified, but also seen by a clinician? 

“Will there be additional specialist clinics in every health board area? 

“There is a significant backlog in screening of something like 180,000 tests; delayed because of the pandemic and delays now of six months or even more for those who have been screened and need treatment. 

“So can the Minister tell me, what additional resources will be provided urgently to cope with the serious situation, as well as catching up with the backlog?” 

Most hysterectomies involve the removal of the cervix, following which there is no further need for cervical screening. 

However, sometimes a hysterectomy is performed in which part or all of the cervix remains. 

Where someone has had such a ‘sub-total’ hysterectomy, the person should continue to be invited for cervical screening if they are within the eligible age range.

An urgent review has found that some of these women were excluded from the programme in error. 

A national review is taking place of everyone who has been excluded from the screening programme. 

The initial part of the review has involved women whose records show they have had a sub-total hysterectomy, and whose operations took place from 1997 onwards.

NHS Health Boards will be offering appointments appropriate to suit their individual circumstances.   

Samantha Dixon, Chief Executive of Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust, said: "For those affected this may be an incredibly difficult time and we are here for anyone who needs support through our Helpline. 

"NHS Scotland is acting quickly to contact everyone who may have been wrongly excluded from cervical screening, however swift action must be taken to identify what went wrong and ensure it cannot happen again.

"Cervical screening remains an important test and it’s important that women and people with a cervix, including those who have had a sub-total hysterectomy, continue to have access to it.”

Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, said the charity was "hugely saddened" by the news and said health services must learn from this error.

She added: "Screening relies on there being an accurate, up-to-date list of those who are eligible so invitations can be sent to the right person at the right time. 

"It’s vital that this situation is learned from and never repeated.  

“If you have had a sub-total hysterectomy and are concerned that you’ve not received invitations for cervical screening, please give the helpline number a call.  

"Cervical screening plays a key role in preventing cervical cancer, by picking up signs of early cell changes before symptoms have a chance to develop. Anyone who receives an invitation should not let this announcement affect their decision to book or attend their screening appointment.  

"It’s important to remember that screening is for people without symptoms so if you have noticed any symptoms that are unusual for you, such as bleeding between periods or after the menopause or changes in your discharge, get in touch with your GP."

Jo's Cancer Trust can be contacted on the free helpline on 0808 802 800 or at www.jostrust.org.uk or email helpline@jostrust.org.uk