Smear Campaign - Video

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:21

Elizabeth Lennox is a mother of six, whose smear tests were mis-read repeatedly. Now she has terminal cancer. How could this possibly happen? - read full story »

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Comments [20]

Demelza Murphy

03 Feb 2010 9:11a.m.

Yesterday I received a letter from the NCSP telling me I don't need to have any repeat smear tests since I (evidently) have had a full hysterectomy. Obviously, this is not the case (unless I was abducted by aliens over the holidays). Clearly, it is not just the reading of the smear test and bungled pathology that is a problem for NCSP. My GP suspects the NCSP have mistaken me for another Demelza Murphy. This is fine for this kind of mistake, but what if I was told I had cancer, yet the real cancer victim was oblivious of the fact. I am about to ring the NCSP now and sort this out; however I did think of Elizabeth Lennox and feel fortunate that their mistake for me doesnt mean my life - and that it was so blanzingly obvious a mistake. How many other women are being failed by the health system?!?!? If women had the choice for privately / independently tested smear tests that were more fool proof *(at whatever cost), the opportunity would likely be taken by many.

Billie Weingarten

12 Jan 2010 7:04a.m.

Dear 60 Minutes, I am getting sick of CBS bashing Sara Palin. You left wing nuts are scared to death of her. Your 01/10/10 show just repeated your scares. Your people said that Sara Palin would not be the kind of VP we are used to. Thank God for that. This woman is the kind of person I want into office. Some one with an honest bone in her body. I am sick of the Clintons, Reeds, and Nancy P's of this country. This country is going to HELL in a hand basket and as a tax payer and voter of this country I am sick of it. We need a leader who is not in bed with the left or right. Billie

Mother of two boys

16 Dec 2009 9:35p.m.

What a tragic case rare but not improbable.Everyone needs to understand what is a screening test. Cervical screening programmes save lives but are not foolproof although so many misread smears is a huge concern.No test is ever 100% and no one is perfect.We must improve the education regarding the screening and the role of HPV and the facts regarding the HPV vaccine for which the uptake has been dismal in this country a huge travesty because so many think they are not at risk