ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - An inquiry into hundreds of flawed tests given to Newfoundland breast cancer patients will look at what went wrong while assessing current practices to restore public confidence in the system, the judge overseeing the inquiry said as hearings began Wednesday.
Justice Margaret Cameron is heading a judicial inquiry in St. John's that will examine how more than 300 patients received the wrong results from their hormone receptor tests between 1997 and 2005.
The tests are used to assess treatment options. At least 36 of those patients have since died, though it remains unknown how many, if any, died as a result of the erroneous test results.
"The mandate of the commission is directed in part to the past and in part to the future," said Cameron.
"I am to examine the responsive authorities when the problems were discovered, including the communications with affected patients and others. I'm also asked to examine present practices ... which is no doubt designed to restore public confidence in the current testing."
Seven groups appeared at the hearing to ask for standing, which would allow them to question witnesses. Those groups included the provincial government, Eastern Health - the health authority responsible for the tests - and representatives for cancer victims.
Gerry Rogers, a patient who made a Gemini Award-winning documentary about her fight with breast cancer, made a tearful appeal for answers.
"Why were I and every other woman with breast cancer not notified then that there could be a problem with our pathology," she told the hearing.
"Why was no action taken? That was an extra two years that women could have been put on the proper treatment."
Premier Danny Williams announced the inquiry in May after reports of the flawed tests surfaced.
Cameron will deliver her final report to the provincial government by July 30 of next year, though she will not make any findings on possible civil or criminal responsibility.
The health board is also the subject of a class-action lawsuit launched by more than 100 patients.
