Denise Howarth, 51, from County Durham, learned in September 2025 that the 2023 mastectomy she endured was unnecessary, part of a wider scandal at County Durham & Darlington NHS Trust.
Denise, who had a traumatic mastectomy two years earlier, was identified among patients who may have "come to harm" after a BBC investigation found 315 patients harmed by the Trust's breast services.
The BBC documentary "Breast Cancer Scandal: Exposing the Harm" details excessive, botched and missed surgeries, including one death, and notes that 20 women received mastectomies that were not required.
All the affected cases were overseen by Mr Amir Bhatti, consultant surgeon and clinical lead for breast cancer at the Trust. An independent report revealed that Bhatti's private firm, Cathedral Surgical Services, performed many of the procedures under a per-patient payment arrangement with the Trust.
Over six years the Trust paid £6 million to diagnostic clinics and private surgery companies run by Bhatti, creating a clear financial incentive, according to the review.
Bhatti is currently barred from treating patients while the Trust investigation continues, and the National Crime Agency and police are probing possible criminal offences.
Denise's own story began in 2023 when a lump led to a Grade 1 breast cancer diagnosis. She was scheduled for a lumpectomy and lymph-node removal, but during recovery was called back for a full mastectomy, which she underwent and received a prosthetic breast.
In September 2025 she was told the mastectomy had not been needed, leaving her devastated again.
Other women described similar experiences. Retired nursery manager Pam Brown had a mastectomy in 2022 at a private NHS-funded hospital that she says was botched, leaving her with lasting physical and psychological scars.
Jo (pseudonym), a long-time NHS employee, was told in 2020 she had multiple tumours and needed a mastectomy. She later learned the breast should not have been removed, describing the outcome as "horrendous, disfigured, mutilated, baggy, awful, unsightly".
Women affected have formed a support group and are calling for a public inquiry. Governance expert Mary Aubrey noted concerns were raised as early as 2012.
Trust chief executive Steve Russell, who took over in September 2025, said more than 640 patients have used a helpline set up by the hospital and that thousands more files may be reopened.
The Department of Health and Social Care expressed sympathy and said the Trust is working with NHS England, the Care Quality Commission and independent experts to ensure safe future care.
Bhatti declined further comment, citing the ongoing investigation. Gill Hunt, chief nurse for the Trust, apologized and highlighted improvements in breast-service outcomes, offering a dedicated support line.
Breast Cancer Scandal: Exposing the Harm airs on BBC Two tonight at 7 pm and on BBC iPlayer.
