Breast cancer treatment review could extend to thousands of former NHS patients

Thousands of former breast cancer patients could have their medical records reviewed as investigations continue into care provided by County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.

According to reports, the Trust is considering extending its review of breast cancer cases as far back as 2015. If that happens, the records of up to 10,000 patients could potentially be examined.

The development follows serious concerns about breast cancer treatment at the Trust, including cases in which women underwent mastectomies that were later found to have been unnecessary.

The Trust has been reviewing cases from January 2023 to February 2025, as well as cases involving former patients who came forward through a dedicated helpline.

Of 514 cases reviewed so far, 315 patients were found to have suffered harm, with 77 assessed as having suffered significant harm. One patient is known to have died.

Concerns raised during the review have included unnecessary surgery and missed or delayed cancer diagnoses.

The National Crime Agency is also working with Durham Police as part of an investigation into allegations made by former patients and whether any criminal offences may have been committed.

The possibility that the review could go back a further eight years is likely to raise fresh questions for women who received breast cancer treatment at the Trust during that period.

For some, those questions may arise long after they believed their treatment had come to an end.

Dianne Yates, Director at Hilary Meredith Solicitors said:

“News that the review could potentially be extended to include thousands more patient records will understandably cause concern, particularly among women who underwent major surgery or whose cancer diagnosis or treatment was delayed.

“A mastectomy is life-changing surgery and patients must be able to trust that such a procedure is clinically necessary. Equally, when cancer is missed or its diagnosis is delayed, the consequences can be extremely serious.

“Anyone worried about treatment they received should be given clear answers about what happened in their individual case. It is also important that patients who may have suffered avoidable harm know that specialist advice and support are available.”

Anyone who received breast cancer treatment from County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust and is concerned about their care can seek information about whether their treatment is, or may become, part of the review.

Some patients may have concerns about an unnecessary mastectomy or other surgery. Others may be worried about a missed or delayed diagnosis, delays in starting treatment or whether the treatment recommended to them was appropriate.

Being included in a review does not automatically mean that there has been medical negligence. That will depend on the circumstances of the individual patient's treatment and whether any failings in care caused avoidable harm.

If you or a family member received breast cancer treatment from County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust and have concerns about the care provided, you can speak to our specialist medical negligence team in confidence.

We recognise that revisiting cancer treatment can be difficult, particularly where someone has undergone major surgery, experienced delays in diagnosis or treatment, or lost a loved one.

Our specialist solicitors can listen to your concerns, help you understand the options available and advise whether further investigation may be appropriate.

There is no obligation to pursue a claim simply because you speak to us. An initial conversation is free and confidential.

To speak to a member of our specialist medical negligence team, call 0800 124 4444 or email enq@hmsolicitors.co.uk