Terminal Cancer After NHS Breast Lumps Ignored

A woman who claims she was told to "stop taking up precious time" by an NHS trust is now living with terminal cancer. Sue Spencer, 59, found a lump in her breast in 2016 but was allegedly reassured by a surgeon that there was nothing to worry about. Despite repeated concerns about severe breast pain and other symptoms over the following years, she states she was consistently dismissed by doctors.

It wasn't until February 2026, when Sue was admitted to hospital for tests related to diverticulitis, that seven tumors were discovered on her lungs, leading to a diagnosis of stage four breast cancer. She is now seeking legal action against the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, which is at the center of a major breast cancer care scandal. An external independent review of patient treatment, potentially affecting 4,500 patients, has been announced by the trust.

The trust recently admitted that using a Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) test in 2016 was inappropriate and a core biopsy should have been performed after an unclear result. This internal review has identified 321 cases of harm among 539 breast cancer cases examined between January 2023 and February 2025. The chief executive of the trust has offered a "deep apology" to those affected by failings in breast services, and Durham Police are investigating potential criminal offenses.

Sue had previously been treated for breast cancer in 2011. When she found a lump in her other breast in 2016, she felt "made to feel guilty" for raising concerns. An "indeterminate" FNA test result led to her discharge with assurance of being cancer-free. Despite ongoing pain and worry from 2018 onwards, she claims she was told by a breast surgeon in 2022 that he "didn't want to see me again" and was advised to stop worrying, as she was taking up "precious time" others needed. Dr. Amir Bhatti was restricted from performing breast cancer surgery by the trust in February 2025.

Sue is now receiving treatment to manage her cancer and is pursuing legal action for answers regarding her care. Her solicitor stated that they are requesting all medical records and instructing independent medical experts to assess decisions and treatment provided. The trust's review process, which could take up to five more years to cover cases back to 2015, leaves thousands of women in uncertainty. The firm is encouraging anyone with concerns to come forward for potential compensation claims.