Twenty women had breasts removed unnecessarily during NHS cancer care

Twenty women had their breasts removed unnecessarily while being treated for cancer at an NHS trust in north-east England.

The County Durham and Darlington foundation trust (CDDFT) told the BBC that the women were among hundreds of patients who came to harm during treatment at its breast unit.

The admission came after the BBC reported last year that more than 200 patients were found to have suffered harm at the CDDFT.

The broadcaster reported that the National Crime Agency was working with Durham police to investigate allegations by former patients and determine if any criminal offences had taken place.

Steve Russell, who was appointed chief executive of CDDFT last year, said: “We are deeply sorry to the women and families who have been harmed and let down by failings in our breast services.

“We recognise the profound impact this has had and have been clear that there were opportunities when, as a trust, we should have listened more carefully and acted sooner.

“Significant changes have since been made to the breast service and are bringing improvements for patients.

“Alongside this, the look-back continues to review past care, identify patients who may have experienced harm and make sure they receive appropriate information and support.

“On September 24, our trust board will meet in public to consider the future scope and timeframe of the look-back. No final decision has been made and it would not be right to pre-empt the board’s discussion.

“We will continue to be open about this work and will provide a further update following the meeting.

“Our dedicated support line remains available to anyone with concerns about their breast care on 0191 333 2126 or at [email protected].”

The trust has been contacted for additional comment.

The CDDFT is conducting an internal review of breast cancer cases between January 2023 and February 2025, as well as of 640 former patients who contacted a special helpline.

Denise Howarth, 51, who was diagnosed with stage one cancer, underwent a mastectomy that was not needed. Photograph: Family Handout/PA

The BBC reported that of 514 cases reviewed by the trust so far, 315 patients had been found to have suffered harm, including 77 who were significantly harmed. One patient is known to have died.

Russell told the BBC that in some cases cancer was missed and subsequently spread.

​One woman who had an unnecessary mastectomy, referred to as Jo, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “They should have done further screening and biopsies, and that would have shown that all the other areas were benign. And actually, there was very small cancer in a large breast. And actually, I didn’t need a mastectomy at all.”

“I just was in total shock, sat at the top of the stairs with the dogs, thinking, have I really heard what I’ve just heard? It was unbelievable, devastating,” she said.

“The fact that this part of your body is now gone, and you know part of what makes you a woman’s gone. It just makes you not your whole self, really. To find out that that wasn’t necessary is absolutely horrendous.”

Denise Howarth, 51, of Consett, County Durham, was diagnosed with stage one cancer in her left breast in February 2023.

She had a lumpectomy and lymph nodes removed, but at a follow-up review was told she still needed a mastectomy.

Howarth, a mother of two being represented by Hudgell Solicitors, underwent the mastectomy, followed by chemotherapy and radiology treatment.

In September last year, she was contacted by the CDDFT and told the mastectomy had not been needed.

“They called me at home to say I needn’t have had my breast removed and it was something which really knocked me off my feet, I was completely shocked,” she said.

“I’d had an awful year already as I’d lost two close relatives and my dad was really poorly so I’d never really had much time after my mastectomy to think of myself and my recovery.

“I’d just reached a point where I was beginning to focus on myself and to look forward, and then this news came like a bolt out of the blue.

“You put your trust in professional people. To be so badly let down is something I’ll never be able to come to terms with.”

On the trust’s response, Howarth said: “An apology is not enough. This is life-changing.

“I’ve lost so much confidence. I feel robbed of the person I was before. As a woman, losing a breast has a huge impact on you.

“I fear I will never be the same person again, although I have tried to be strong.”

Rachel O’Connor, part of the medical negligence team at Hudgell Solicitors, is calling for a public inquiry.

“We are currently advising a number of women who have had surgeries they have since been told were not needed,” she said.

“Breast cancer services at hospitals should be places where patients have the reassurance of exceptional care and support, from clinics and scans to surgeries and treatments.

“Sadly, at County Durham and Darlington NHS foundation trust, this has not been the case for many years, as deep-rooted, systematic failures have led to women suffering serious harm.”