✅ NHS-sourced information. General health information only — not personal medical advice. Always consult your GP or specialist.

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BBC Health Womens Health 18 September 2026

‘I’ve had a mastectomy when it wasn’t needed’

The women were among hundreds who were harmed by their treatment at County Durham health trust.

📋 What this means for you AI-generated plain English summary
✓ # Understanding This Health News
✓ What happened**: Some women at County Durham health trust received mastectomies (breast removal surgery) when they didn't actually need them, which caused them unnecessary harm and distress.
✓ What you should do**: If you had breast surgery at this hospital and have concerns about whether it was necessary, contact your doctor or the hospital to ask questions about your treatment and request a review of your medical records.
✓ Key point**: This situation highlights the importance of getting a second opinion on major surgery and asking your doctor to fully explain why a procedure is needed before moving forward.

Always speak to your doctor before making any changes to your health or treatment.

Source: BBC Health  ·  Read full article ↗

The women were among hundreds who were harmed by their treatment at County Durham health trust.

📋 Remember: This is general health information. Always speak to your GP or specialist about your own health situation.
Read full article on BBC Health ↗

This article summarises content originally published by BBC Health. PatientIQ provides independent plain English summaries.

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