Twenty women had breasts removed unnecessarily, NHS trust admits
Summary
An NHS trust in northeast England admitted that 20 women had their breasts removed (mastectomies) when it was not necessary. The trust is reviewing hundreds of breast cancer cases after discovering mistakes that caused harm, including missed or delayed cancer diagnoses.Key Facts
- Twenty women had unnecessary mastectomies at County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust (CDDFT).
- The trust is reviewing cases of patients treated for breast cancer from January 2023 to February 2025.
- So far, 514 cases have been reviewed; 315 patients suffered harm, and 77 had serious harm.
- At least one patient has died, and some had cancer that spread due to missed or delayed diagnoses.
- The NHS trust’s chief executive apologized for the mistakes and harm caused.
- The review may expand to cover cases back to 2015, possibly reopening 10,000 medical records.
- The National Crime Agency and Durham Police are investigating possible criminal offenses.
- Some affected women and families want a public inquiry and have formed support groups.
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