A conflict is escalating in Andalusia between the women’s association Amama and the regional government over massive delays in breast cancer screenings. The organization, which brings together women affected by cancer, is finalizing 260 property claims against the autonomous authorities. These lawsuits concern patients who suffered serious consequences due to late disease diagnosis.
It’s been a month and a half since news of the problem surfaced. During this time, Amama has already filed around 50 complaints with the Andalusian Health Service (Servicio Andaluz de Salud, SAS). Another 200-plus claims are expected in the coming weeks. The women are demanding compensation for damages, including fatalities, forced surgeries, and psychological trauma.
Dispute over the number of victims and access to data
Andalusian authorities and Amama representatives have not reached an agreement on the number of affected women or the procedure for gathering information. The regional government requested complete details on the victims from the association, but activists refused, citing data protection laws. According to Amama’s lawyer, the organization lacks the resources to collect and process such volumes of information, and all complaints have been submitted via a specially created email address.
The association claims that in a month and a half, about 4,000 women have reached out with complaints about delays in diagnosis. However, authorities recognize only 2,317 cases. Amama emphasizes that not everyone who contacts them is a direct victim—some have only sought advice about potential examination issues.
Legal Nuances and the Authorities’ Position
Amama’s legal counsel insists that patient information cannot be disclosed without personal consent, as it concerns confidential medical data. He notes that the government has all the tools it needs to independently track down information about women awaiting test results. In some provinces, such as Córdoba, the association counted up to 20 cases that were not officially acknowledged.
Authorities in Andalusia, meanwhile, refer to regional health laws and state that their inquiry was intended to ensure safety and enable a timely response to possible undetected cases. Officials stress that their goal is not to argue with activists, but to guarantee medical care for all who need it.
Amama’s Demands and Reform Proposals
Alongside legal actions, Amama has put forward several initiatives that the association believes should be included in next year’s budget. These include increased healthcare funding, expanding medical staff, ensuring stable contracts for personnel, and creating a transparent system to inform patients about screening results and waiting times.
The association is also calling for the reinstatement of one-stop comprehensive exams, access to psychological support for all patients, full-scale rehabilitation after surgery, and prioritizing urgent treatment for women in need. Additionally, Amama demands the monthly publication of data on waiting times for consultations, diagnostic procedures, and surgeries, as well as full reimbursement for wigs for women undergoing chemotherapy.
Outlook and Next Steps
If the authorities fail to respond satisfactorily, the women are prepared to take the matter to court to secure fair compensation. The decision on further actions will be made after the Andalusian government provides an official response to the complaints submitted. The key issues remain transparency, accountability, and the quality of medical care for women facing cancer in the region.
