Press release

FMSQ REACTION

Retested Breast Cancer Pathology Results

Montreal, December 16, 2009 – Reacting to the announcement concerning retested breast cancer pathology results, the Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec (the FMSQ) believes that it was important to take such action on behalf of patients, who deserve the best treatment available in Quebec. Although some fluctuation in test results cannot be avoided, the medical community is convinced that this should be kept as low as possible.

The FMSQ is, however, disappointed that the detection threshold selected was so high that that one wonders why it was even considered. In fact, the great majority of patients whose results ranged from 1% of positive cells to the 10% threshold stated at this morning's press conference by the Minister and his experts, Drs Bernard Têtu and André Robidoux, could benefit from an adjustment to their treatment in the same way as the 87 patients identified so far.

As far as pathologists are concerned, the FMSQ has always been convinced of the high quality of their work and would again point out that pathologists have made every effort since 2003 to induce the government to ensure that laboratories and the tests performed there meet the highest standards, specifically via an external quality control program and upgrading equipment available to pathologists.

The Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec numbers more than 8,000 members in Quebec, representing 35 medical specialties. It is the sole organization recognized by government with respect to negotiating medical specialists' collective agreements, and is also consulted on all aspects of the organization of medical care in Quebec.