Ordeal of young mum finally told she has cancer four years after smear test

The Post reports the devastating consequences of bureaucratic oversight on its front page on September 15, 1985.

“A young Scots mother, now living in Yorkshire, has had to undergo major surgery for cancer because she was not informed of the results of a cervical smear test done four years ago in West Lothian,” it read.

“Mary Rutherford was living in Broxburn when she had the test carried out at the town’s health centre in August 1981. When not

informed to the contrary, Mary assumed the test had shown all was well. Until the spring of this year. By then Mary and husband, Gordon, had moved to Doncaster.

“In March, Gordon, who is in the Merchant Navy, was updating his life insurance. Mary filled in the forms to update hers, too. The insurance company requested further details from Mary’s GP.

“It was while sifting through her medical notes that he came across a health centre letter concerning the 1981 test. It

noted ‘suspicious findings’ and recommended a repeat test in three months’ time. By now, years had passed. Mary was shocked when told of the letter’s existence.

“Mary was then referred to a specialist at Doncaster Royal Infirmary. Cancer cells were detected in the neck of the womb. Mary had a hysterectomy in July. It was a harrowing time. It’ll be a long time before Mary is completely recovered.

“Mary is concerned there could be other women unknowingly in the same situation.”