Recent changes in the surgical management of T1/2 breast cancer in England

Abstract

Following the results of a study undertaken in 1985, a second survey was undertaken to examine whether there had been any changes in England in the surgical management of patients with a T1/2/NOMO breast cancer. The major findings were that: (i) there was a significant increase in the number of surgeons who would undertake breast conservation surgery; (ii) there was a significant increase in the number of surgeons who would discuss breast reconstruction where mastectomy was the preferred form of treatment; (iii) that significantly more surgeons would offer the patient a choice of surgery when there was more than one surgical option; and (iv) that significantly more surgeons had access to a breast specialist nurse and/or a cancer counsellor. These changes are consistent with the recommendations of the 1986 King's Fund Consensus' Conference for breast cancer treatment.