WILLEMSTAD – Fundashon Prevenshon has revealed that 28 participants in Curaçao’s breast cancer screening program mistakenly received negative test results, even though their mammograms required further medical evaluation.
The organization said the error was discovered on May 29 after it was found that a limited number of result letters did not match the outcomes recorded in the screening program’s registration system.
According to Fundashon Prevenshon, the issue affected 28 letters out of more than 2,500 result notifications sent since the introduction of the current registration system in December 2025.
Director Louise Elstak issued an apology on behalf of the organization to the affected clients and their families.
“We understand that receiving an incorrect result letter can cause significant concern and uncertainty,” Elstak said.
All affected participants have since been identified and provided with corrected results. The foundation said the individuals involved are now being guided through the appropriate follow-up process.
Where necessary, expedited referrals are being arranged for additional examinations at Curaçao Medical Center (CMC).
Fundashon Prevenshon emphasized that a positive screening result does not automatically mean that a person has breast cancer. Rather, it indicates that additional testing is needed to determine what was detected on the mammography images.
Following the discovery of the error, the organization immediately launched an internal investigation. All affected general practitioners were notified and provided with the correct screening results. Staff members also contacted medical practices directly to ensure the information reached the patients involved.
According to the foundation, most family doctors have already confirmed that the affected individuals have been informed or have been scheduled for consultations.
The cause of the incident remains under investigation. Fundashon Prevenshon said it appears to involve either a technical issue or a procedural problem related to the processing and distribution of screening results.
The organization is working with its software provider and other relevant parties to determine exactly how the error occurred and what measures are needed to prevent a recurrence.
At this time, there is no indication that any other participants in the screening program were affected.
The incident has been reported to the Health Care Inspectorate, which is expected to monitor the investigation and any corrective actions that follow.
Fundashon Prevenshon has urged anyone with questions about the incident to contact the organization through its information line at 0800-1811.