How to choose the best breast cancer surgeon?
How to find the best breast cancer surgeon in Brisbane. 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’.
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?
Do they have a dedicated breast care nurse?
Are they offering Oncoplastic techniques to maintain the breast shape? and have experience and training in these techniques
Are they affordable?
High fees doesn’t mean better quality. Dr Green aims to keep fees a slow as possible.
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 to common concerns. The internet provides a vast array of information to a lady diagnosed with breast cancer. The down side to this is trying to understand the information you read. Much of the information on the internet relating to breast cancer will not apply 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 teams and breast care nurses. We are all going to be here for you through the breast cancer journey or more correctly the breast cancer roller coaster.
To ensure you are going to receive the beast possible treatment outcomes there are several points you should be aware of in determine who is the right treatment team for you.
Ask your GP if your surgeon you are to be referred to meets the following criteria:
Ensure your breast surgeon is a full member of BreastSurgANZ.
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
Does your surgeon work in a multidisciplinary team?
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.
Dr Green 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
Does your surgeon have a dedicated Breast Care Nurse?
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 outside of medical treatment you are receiving. Whether this be 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 roller coaster.
Throughout your treatment you will have regular contact with our Breast Care Nurses Cath and Sophie.
Is youre surgeon is experienced in Oncoplastic surgical techniques?
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 even 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 remove and 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 moire than 10% of the breast is being removed.
Is your surgeon affordable?
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 Funds.
Exorbitant out of pocket costs for breast surgery should not occur. High fees does not equate to better surgery.
Dr Green aims to keep all fees to a minimum
Fees are set by the Australian Medical Association (AMA) recommendation fee schedule
Do you have time to obtain a second opinion?
The simple answer is YES
Although breast cancer is scary there is no need to rush into any decision particularly when it comes to the decision on choosing a mastectomy and especially if considering a bilateral mastectomy.
In general terms a 6-week period while you think things over or seek alternate opinion is perfectly safe.
If you have seen who surgeon who is not offering and oncoplastic procedure you should definitely seek a second opinion. ALL patients should be considered for Oncoplastic surgery which is a routine part of breast surgery.
