The surgeon you choose is very important. Take your time and ask around. This page suggests ways you can find a surgeon who suits you.
Key Points
- Work out what is most important to you and list the factors in order of priority
- Choose a surgeon you feel comfortable with
- Ask as many questions as you need to be satisfied you are making the right choice
- Particularly satisfy yourself that the surgeon treats breast cancer cases frequently and is a member of the Breast Section of the College of Surgeons
- Consider issues such as the location of the surgeon, where he or she operates, whether he or she participates in multi-disciplinary case conferences etc.
- Don't hesitate to ask for a second opinion
If you have early breast cancer, a few weeks delay while you decide on a surgeon will not have a major impact.
How do I start to find a surgeon?
- Ask your GP
- Ask friends and friends of friends, try to find someone who has been through the experience
- Look in directories such as the lists provided by professional organisations such as the AMA Directory
- Call the The Cancer Council's Cancer Helpline on 13 11 20 to speak to someone who has had the operation and can provide advice
- Find out about the register of surgical practice which will tell you how many operations surgeons have performed
- Check the National Breast Cancer Centre's National Directory of Hospital Based Services.
Choosing a surgeon
In deciding on a surgeon or oncologist you need to decide what is important to you. A good way to use this list is to rate each of the things which are important to you personally.
- You feel comfortable with and trust him/her
- He/she gives you good information when you need it
- He/she will give you a good result in terms of both look and care afterwards
- He/she treats breast cancer cases regularly
- He/she is accessible (for your needs) - this is particularly important when you live in the country or don't have easy access to transport.
- He/she provides access to other services you need
- He/she is affordable
- Good quality medical care depends partly on setting up a partnership between you and your doctor. You have the right to choose your doctor, but with this right comes the responsibility to treat your doctor with the same respect and honesty you think you deserve.
- It helps if you can explain to the doctor how you want your treatment to be managed. Your doctor cannot know what you feel and want if you never talk about your needs.
Good questions to ask your surgeon
- How many breast cancer operations have you done in total?
- How many new breast cancer cases did you manage last year?
- Can I talk to one of your prior patients?
- Can I see photographs of an operation like mine that you have done?
- Which hospitals do you operate in?
- Are you a member of the Breast Section of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons?
