Andalusian government admits delays in breast cancer diagnoses for 2000 women
The Andalusian government has acknowledged that around 2,000 women have been impacted by delays in breast cancer diagnoses within its screening program. This admission follows probes into failures in the early detection system. Officials have pledged improvements to prevent future issues.
On October 2, 2025, El País reported that the Andalusian government admitted for the first time the extent of delays in breast cancer diagnoses. According to the article, these delays have affected around 2,000 women in the regional screening program, which aims to detect cancer in early stages through mammograms.
The delays occurred mainly due to logistical issues and overload in health centers in recent years, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. The government has quantified the impact at 2,000 cases, though it has not detailed the exact period or specific consequences for each patient. A spokesperson from the Health Department stated: 'We recognize the delays and are implementing measures to speed up the diagnosis process'.
The context shows that the screening program in Andalusia serves hundreds of thousands of women annually, aiming to reduce breast cancer mortality by 30%. However, internal audits have identified bottlenecks in appointment scheduling and result follow-up. Oncology experts consulted by El País emphasize that late diagnoses can drop survival rates from 90% in early stages to under 30% in advanced phases.
The admission has prompted calls for action from patient associations, demanding compensation and a thorough review of the system. The government has responded by announcing an additional 5 million euros investment to modernize the program, including more staff and digital technology for appointments. This case underscores challenges in Spain's public health system, where balancing volume and efficiency is key for early detection of serious diseases.