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Only one in 10 women offered breast reconstruction after cancer surgery as NHS flouts guidelines |
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10 March 2008 |
Nine in 10 women who have had surgery for breast cancer don't receive reconstruction immediately, according to a health watchdog investigation.
The report is the result of a four year audit by the Healthcare Commission.
Nine in 10 women who have had surgery for breast cancer don't receive reconstruction immediately, according to a health watchdog investigation.
The report is the result of a four year audit by the Healthcare Commission. It reveals that only one in 10 women with breast cancer get access to reconstructive surgery at the time of their mastectomy, despite recommendations from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) that it should be available to all.
The Healthcare Commission now intends to report further on the reasons for the variations around the country and recommend best practice.
'There is an argument that not all women are suitable for immediate breast reconstruction,' says Sandra Patton, a lawyer with Kester Cunningham John who specializes in cancer cases.
'However, immediate reconstruction tends to achieve better cosmetic results and smaller scars. It's just not acceptable that, although the NICE guidelines state that every woman should have the choice of making that decision, in practice it's clear that very few are offered the option.
'Our experience is that it's a very personal decision for every woman affected. However, if she decides she wants reconstruction then she should be supported 100 per cent and the necessary facilities and care should be made available without question.'
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