December 27, 2024 from Ozten Shebahkeget via CBC News
A Manitoba woman has launched a legal case against diagnostic company Dynacare and a local physician, alleging medical negligence led to a delayed cancer diagnosis that left her infertile.
In a statement of claim filed in the Manitoba Court of King’s Bench on December 13, the woman says she was wrongly told three Pap tests—conducted between 2014 and 2016—showed no abnormalities. She later learned those tests had in fact indicated pre-cancerous or cancerous cells, including one that recommended re-testing within six months.
By 2018, she was diagnosed with stage 1B1 cervical cancer after undergoing another Pap test. According to the suit, the delay in diagnosis deprived her of timely treatment and resulted in aggressive medical interventions, including radiation therapy that left her unable to conceive.
Accusations Against Dynacare and the Physician
Dynacare, which processed all three Pap tests, is accused of providing “substandard care” through inadequately trained staff and lacking a proper quality assurance system. The physician named in the suit, a pathologist, allegedly examined two of the three Pap test samples but failed to detect the abnormalities. The woman claims the doctor did not seek a second opinion and failed to protect her health.
Both parties are accused of negligence that put her life in danger and led to avoidable medical consequences.
Physical, Emotional, and Financial Toll
After her diagnosis, the woman underwent fertility-related surgeries not available in Manitoba and had to pursue specialized care, including surrogacy services and out-of-province treatments. The lawsuit claims she has suffered and continues to suffer from physical, emotional, and psychological pain, along with a loss of income and homemaking capacity.
The woman is seeking general damages—with interest—plus special damages to cover all past, present, and future out-of-pocket medical and fertility-related expenses.
Seeking Accountability
The case highlights the critical importance of accuracy in diagnostic testing and the devastating consequences that can follow when results are mishandled. The woman alleges that systemic failures in training and quality control led to a missed opportunity for early intervention, ultimately changing the course of her life.
A spokesperson for Dynacare declined to comment, stating the matter is before the courts. A statement of defence has not yet been filed, and none of the allegations have been proven in court.
Delayed diagnoses can have life-altering consequences. This case underscores how critical timely and accurate test results are—and how devastating it can be when those results are misread or overlooked.
At Malpractice Check, we are dedicated to providing honest, unbiased opinions on medical malpractice concerns. Whether you’re seeking peace of mind or preparing to present your case to a lawyer, our trusted experts are here to help you navigate the complexities of healthcare errors with professionalism, compassion, and integrity. Contact us today to learn more.