GUIDANCE

How to choose
a breast surgeon

A new diagnosis of breast cancer is a very stressful time. Learning how to navigate the complex breast surgical world can be daunting. There are a few questions you need to ask when deciding on how to choose the ‘best breast cancer surgeon’.

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THE CHECKLIST

Questions to ask your GP

When obtaining a referral from your GP, ask them if your surgeon meets the following criteria.

Is your surgeon a full member of BreastSurgANZ?
Do they work in a multidisciplinary team?
Are they offering oncoplastic techniques to maintain the breast shape?
Do they have experience and training in these techniques?
Do they have a dedicated breast care nurse?
Are they affordable?

High fees don’t mean better quality. Brisbane Breast and Surgical Care aims to keep fees as low as possible.

GUIDANCE

How to choose the right breast surgeon for you

A diagnosis of breast cancer is a frightening event. Fear of the unknown, what impact will this have on myself, my family, my work are all common concerns. The internet provides a vast array of information to a woman diagnosed with breast cancer. It may be difficult to understand the information you read and how it relates to you. No two breast cancers are the same and management of breast cancer is now very individualised and personal. Comparing yourself to someone else with what appears to be the same can lead to unnecessary stress and concern.

To reassure you, most breast cancers, especially small screening detected cancers are manageable and treatable. Over 90% of women are cured of breast cancer with current surgical and oncology regimes. It is important to keep a positive frame of mind and listen to your treating surgeon, oncology team and breast care nurses. We are all going to be here for you through the breast cancer roller-coaster.

To ensure you are going to receive the best possible treatment outcomes there are several points you should be aware of to determine which is the right treatment team for you.

Ask your GP if the surgeon you are to be referred to meets the following criteria:

BreastSurgANZ is the governing body of all specialist breast surgeons in Australia and New Zealand. Being a full member of this society ensures your surgeon maintains continuing high levels of training and meets key performance indicators.
The management of breast cancer is ever evolving with numerous clinical trials and treatment regimens becoming available. Working in a team is essential to ensuring you receive the most up to date treatment options available.
Brisbane Breast and Surgical Care works as part of a specialised Multidisciplinary team where every case and result is discussed with a Breast Radiologist, Medical Oncologist, Radiation Oncologist, Breast Care Nurse and other surgeons.
A breast care nurse who works closely with their surgeon and is dedicated to the care of patients is essential.
Your breast care nurse will be able to help in so many aspects including medical issues, social issues, psychological, sexual, body image or just a shoulder to lean on.
A dedicated breast care nurse will be there to guide you along the breast cancer journey.
Throughout your treatment you will have regular contact with our Breast Care Nurses Cath and Sophie.
Over 90% of women achieve a full cure of their breast cancer. This means the effects of the treatment are going to be lived with for many years. The aesthetics of the breast is important for your ongoing well-being. Whilst it may not be at the front of your mind at the time of diagnosis, it will be once the dust settles.
Oncoplastic surgery is the new modern method of performing breast surgery that aims to maintain or improve your breast shape. There are varying degrees of oncoplastic breast surgery ranging from level 1 techniques that are simple and should be routine in any breast cancer surgery, through to level 2 and 3 techniques that are more challenging and include options such as a breast reduction for larger breasted women as part of the treatment of their cancer.
Not every breast surgeon is trained in these techniques despite being widely accepted as standard practice across the country. Ensure your breast surgeon is trained in oncoplastic techniques, has experience in these procedures and most importantly offers you the option.
Oncoplastic surgery may allow treatment of your breast cancer in conjunction with a breast reduction, use of tissue flaps to fill the breast tissue removed to prevent a smaller breast, a mastopexy (breast lift) and breast reconstruction in the setting of a mastectomy.
An oncoplastic surgeon should be able to offer you a wide range of these options.
Oncoplastic surgery is a suitable option for ANY patient where more than 10% of the breast volume is being removed.
This is often the last thing to be discussed after a lengthy consultation.
Breast cancer surgery is partially covered by Medicare and your Private Health Fund.
Exorbitant out of pocket costs for breast surgery should not occur. High fees does not equate to better surgery.
Brisbane Breast and Surgical Care aims to keep all fees to a minimum and will typically set fees as recommended by the Australian Medical Association fee schedule.