Airport security apologizes for screening of elderly cancer survivor

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Airport security apologizes for screening of elderly cancer survivor

She said “No,” not thinking to mention the gel-filled bag she wears to fill the space created when she lost a breast to cancer.

Screeners, suspicious of the elderly woman, then ordered her to undergo a full-body scan. She was told to raise her arms, something she could not do because of the effects of the cancer surgery.

Crying and embarrassed, the grandmother was forced to raise her arms and is now demanding an apology.

The screeners work for the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA). CATSA spokesman Mathieu Larocque told The Province on Friday they would be issuing an apology to Strecker.

“We will be trying to reach out to her to apologize,” said Larocque.

He said the incident is still under investigation. Somebody with a mastectomy who is elderly, he said, “has to be treated with additional sensitivity.”

Strecker’s doctor has issued her a medical certificate outlining her medical issues. She said the prospect of flying again gives her nightmares.

“We will get in touch with the passenger,” said Larocque. “We understand she did not have a pleasant experience.”