Review of Durham breast cancer care widened to 4,500 more patients

County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust is extending its review of breast cancer care after serious failings left hundreds of patients harmed, including 20 women who underwent unnecessary mastectomies.

The trust has reviewed 538 cases from between January 2023 and February 2025. Harm was identified in 321 cases, including delayed or missed diagnoses, avoidable treatment and one patient death.

The expanded review will examine approximately 4,500 additional cases dating back to 2015, when concerns were first raised. Cases will be assessed one year at a time, with findings used to determine whether the investigation should extend further into the past.

Trust leaders have apologised to the women and families affected and are offering psychological support. Some patients who were not offered breast reconstruction when originally treated will also be given the opportunity to consider it.

The scale and expected duration of the review have caused further concern among patients and legal representatives, who fear some women could wait years to learn whether their treatment was appropriate. Durham Police, supported by the National Crime Agency, is separately examining whether any criminal offences may have been committed.

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