NHS says 20 women had breasts removed unnecessarily as hundreds suffer significant harm

An NHS trust has admitted around 20 women underwent totally unnecessary mastectomies while they were being treated for breast cancer.

The patients had their breasts removed during treatment at the unit of the County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust and were just a number of hundreds reported to have come to harm. The National Crime Agency and Durham Police have launched an investigation to determine if any criminal offences have taken place.

Victims have come forward and spoken of how they feel "mutilated" by the mistakes made by the trust, which confirmed it is carrying out an internal review of breast cancer cases between January 2023 and February 2025. It comes after reports last November of serious failures in the unit, which included other needless surgeries being carried out.

The BBC's latest report says it was contacted by dozens of affected women and their families and that the organisation was told by the trust that 20 underwent mastectomies unnecessarily . CDDFT's chief executive Steve Russell says he apologises "unreservedly" for the damage the trust has caused.

Asked how many woman had been impacted, newly-appointed Mr Russell said: "Our latest information suggests it is around 20. I don't personally know why this happened, and sadly there is nothing we can do to change what happened to them.

"There are no words to describe how personally distressed I am, and my colleagues are, by the outcome, and the harm those women experienced. What happened was utterly unacceptable."

CDDFT has begun its review of breast cancer cases, alongside the cases of 640 former patients who contacted a helpline.

The BBC say of 514 cases reviewed already, 315 patients have been found to have suffered harm, including 77 who were "significantly" harmed. It is understood that one patient died.

Denise Howarth told the BBC she was informed by the NHS that her breast was removed unnecessarily and says she feels failed by the health service.

"I was just in shock, I was in tears on the phone when they told me," she said. "They just said sorry. I couldn't believe what they were saying. An apology doesn't give me the answers I need. It can't give me my breasts back."

In a statement, the Trust's CEO Mr Russell 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.