NHS Trust Admits 20 Unnecessary Mastectomies

An NHS trust in north-east England has admitted that 20 women had their breasts removed unnecessarily during cancer treatment. The County Durham and Darlington foundation trust said the women were among hundreds harmed at its breast unit. The disclosure was reported by the BBC on 18 September 2026.

2-source coverage 2 references

GuardianBBC

Twenty women had breasts removed unnecessarily during cancer treatment, NHS trust admits

In brief

Coverage context

2 sources and 2 references are grouped here to show the source evidence behind this ONP dossier.

Source coverage

Media reports

Guardian 2h ago

Twenty women had breasts removed unnecessarily during NHS cancer care

Patients among hundreds who suffered harm at County Durham and Darlington foundation trust’s breast unit Twenty women had their breasts removed unnecessarily while being treated for cancer at an NHS trust in north-east England. The County Durham and Darlington foundation trust (CDDFT) told the BBC that the women were among hundreds of patients who came to harm during treatment at its breast unit. Continue reading...

BBC 5h ago

Twenty women had breasts removed unnecessarily during cancer treatment, NHS trust admits

More news

Also in the news

Buckingham Palace hits back over claims made in Earl Spencer book

UK 11h ago Developing

Palace disputes Earl Spencer's Diana memoir claims

Buckingham Palace has strongly pushed back against claims in a new memoir by Earl Spencer, Diana, Princess of Wales's brother. Published extracts allege King Charles sounded "giddily elated" in a phone call after Diana's death and that some in the Palace were "relieved". The row has dominated newspaper coverage as the book is serialised in the Daily Mail.

7 references

SkyBBCGuardian

UK 9h ago Developing

Archbishop of Canterbury revokes award given to cleric who praised Bin Laden

The Archbishop of Canterbury's office has revoked an award given to a Muslim cleric who had previously pledged to bestow an honorary title on Osama bin Laden. The award was presented last week, on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

2 references

SkyBBC

Discovery

See what’s emerging. See what’s changing.

Explore stories gaining momentum and continuing events with new developments.

Explore Discovery