Twenty women had breasts removed unnecessarily, NHS trust admits

Twenty women underwent mastectomies unnecessarily while being treated for breast cancer, an NHS trust in north-east England has told the BBC.

They were among hundreds of patients who came to harm during treatment at the breast unit of the County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust (CDDFT).

The admission comes in the wake of revelations about serious failures in the unit, as reported by the BBC last year .

Steve Russell, who has recently taken over as CDDFT's chief executive, says he apologises "unreservedly" for the harm the trust caused.

"There are no words I could use to convey how personally distressed I am," he says. "What happened was utterly unacceptable."

Dozens of affected women and their families contacted us following our earlier reporting.

Patients described the shock they had felt on being told a mastectomy (the removal of all or part of a breast) could have been avoided, as well as the psychological and physical pain that many still live with.

We also met former patients who have come together to support each other and call for a public inquiry.

CDDFT is now carrying out an internal review of breast cancer cases between January 2023 and February 2025, alongside the cases of 640 former patients who contacted a dedicated helpline.

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

Cases have also been identified where cancer diagnoses were missed or delayed. Some of these patients subsequently saw their cancer spread, says Russell.

The BBC understands a decision is imminent on whether to extend the scope of the review, and look at cases dating back to 2015. This could mean the re-opening of up to 10,000 medical records.

The National Crime Agency says it is now working with Durham Police to investigate allegations by former patients and determine if any criminal offences have taken place.

BBC health correspondent Sharon Barbour investigates a deepening breast cancer scandal in County Durham and hears from women whose mastectomies were unnecessary.