Women recalled for breast checks in Humberside

Health officials in Humberside yesterday recalled 1,000 women for repeat breast screening after checks showed their mammograms were not sufficiently clear. A routine inspection of 16,000 mammograms made by the Humberside Breast Screening Service between April 1995 and March 1996 showed some did not meet quality standards.

The problem was discovered after doctors observed that the cancer detection rate in the area was below the national average. Ian Galloway, medical director of Royal Hull Hospitals NHS Trust, which manages the service, stressed the recall was only precautionary and did not mean cancers had been missed. He said: "We are re-screening these women to ensure we have the best quality X-rays. We apologise for the disruption and distress that this will cause."