One dead, hundreds harmed and 20 had unnecessary breast removal as shocking NHS breast cancer scandal exposed

HUNDREDS of women have been harmed in an NHS breast cancer care scandal with 20 undergoing unnecessary mastectomies and one sadly dying. So far, a review of care at an NHS trust breast unit has examined 514 cases, finding that 315 patients “suffered harm” while 77 were significantly harmed. Denise Howarth, 51, underwent an unnecessary mastectomy at an NHS trust Credit: PA She is one of 20 women who were told their mastectomies were not needed Credit: PA Care at the County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust (CDDFT) – which first came under scrutiny as part of a BBC investigation – said it was currently reviewing breast cancer cases between January 2023 and 2025. Another 640 cases of former patients are also being investigated after they contacted a dedicated helpline. Sign up for the Health newsletter Thank you! In other instances, cases have been identified where cancer diagnoses were missed or delayed, which led to the disease spreading. In light of these shocking revelations, a board meeting of the trust next week will decide whether the review should be extended to thousands more cases dating back to 2015. The chief executive of the trust has said he is “deeply sorry to the women and families who have been harmed and let down by failings in our breast services”. Denise Howarth, 51, was one of the women who underwent an unnecessary mastectomy at the trust. She was diagnosed with stage one cancer, which is slow growing, in her left breast in February 2023. She had a lumpectomy – where the abnormal tissue is taken out – and some lymph nodes removed. Most read in Health But despite this, Denise, from Consett, County Durham, was told she still needed a mastectomy at a follow-up review. Following this operation, the mum-of-two also underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment. But then in September 2025, Denise was contacted by the NHS trust and told that the mastectomy had not been needed. She is now being represented by Hudgell Solicitors and says she has been left feeling “betrayed, hurt and angry” and will “never be the same person again”. Speaking about her ordeal, Denise said: “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. “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. Denise says she has been left feeling betrayed, hurt and angry Credit: PA Following her ordeal, she says she will never be the same person again Credit: PA “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.” While the trust apologised to the mum, she 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.” Denise said she now finds it difficult to choose clothing she feels “comfortable and happy in”. Steve Russell, who was appointed CDDFT chief executive last year, said in a statement: “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.” He continued: “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 cddft.breastservices@nhs.net.” A spokeswoman for the trust has also confirmed that CDDFT has been cooperating with Durham Police, who are looking into these reports. The National Crime Agency also told the BBC that it is now working with Durham Police to investigate allegations and determine if any criminal offences have taken place. In light of all of this, Rachel O’Connor, part of the medical negligence team at Hudgell Solicitors, is calling for a public inquiry. She said: “We are currently advising a number of women who have had surgeries they have since been told were not needed. “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. “For any women to go through the physical and psychological impact of breast cancer surgery and treatment, only to then find out months or years later that their treatment has not improved their situation, but caused them avoidable harm, is appalling. “There needs to be greater scrutiny as to how and why this has been allowed to happen. “The Government must take action. We believe a Public Inquiry is needed to finally get to the bottom of why patients have been exposed to potentially life-changing risk for so long, and to hold people accountable.” The Sun approached the NHS trust for comment. Comment now