A woman has called for a public inquiry into breast cancer failings at County Durham and Darlington NHS Trust, claiming an under-fire surgeon told her her cancer was 'probably just fatty tissue'. Nadeen Lister, 53, from Stanley, saw Dr Amir Bhatti, former clinical lead for breast cancer at the trust, in 2017 after finding a lump. She said he dismissed it, and by the time she returned months later, the lump had grown from grape-sized to orange-sized.
Background of the case
Durham Constabulary has launched a probe, Operation Tope 2025, to investigate potential crimes. However, Lister's case predates the trust's 'lookback exercise', which covers 2023-2025. She argues the failings go back over a decade, citing reports from the Royal College of Surgeons and Royal College of Radiologists.
Lister's experience
Lister was urgently referred by her GP in 2017. She said: 'It was a grape-sized lump... but Mr Bhatti said it was probably fatty tissue and not to worry.' After her cancer diagnosis, she underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and a mastectomy. She has been cancer-free for four years but remains on hormone medication.
Pink Justice group
Lister founded the Pink Justice Facebook group, now with 90 members, to support others. She said: 'There are so many stories of women being told they were ok, then later diagnosed with cancer, or having unnecessary surgeries. People have lost loved ones and question if it was due to negligent treatment.' A petition for a public inquiry has been launched.
Trust response
Chief nurse Gill Hunt said: 'We fully recognise the seriousness... and the significant impact and distress. We are committed to ensuring concerns are thoroughly investigated, affected patients are supported, and lessons lead to meaningful improvements.' The trust noted improvements in clinical outcomes, including breast-conserving surgery and reconstruction rates.
Legal perspective
Hudgell Solicitors, representing an 'ever-growing number of patients', said: 'We don't feel current investigations go back far enough. Systemic failures date back a decade. We need full answers and accountability, which will only come with people compelled to give evidence under oath.'
Next steps
The Department of Health and Social Care has been contacted regarding calls for a public inquiry. The trust board report from June 3 showed 65 cases of severe or moderate harm in 389 completed lookback reviews. The full scope and timescales for the lookback exercise are still to be determined.
