Guidance for the commissioning of oncoplastic breast surgery

The Breast Cancer APPG co-chairs, Philippa Whitford MP, Craig Tracey MP and Thangam Debbonaire MP, have now responded to the report saying:

“It's disappointing to see yet another instance of geographical variation across England following the release of our report “A Mixed Picture” in February. That hundreds of women are being denied reconstructive surgery – which we know can be an integral part of moving on from breast cancer – is alarming. We welcome the new guidelines launched today, which we hope will ensure all breast cancer patients in England have access to the reconstructive services they need, at a time that is right for them.”

BAPRAS member and chair of the Breast SIG, Joe o'Donoghue released the following statement:

“It is unacceptable for some women to not be given access to essential reconstructive or balancing surgery purely because of where they live."

“We know that this surgery is a vital part of breast cancer treatment, recognised by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and internationally as beneficial to women’s psychological recovery and wellbeing.”

BAPRAS calls on all Clinical Commissioning Groups to implement the new guidelines and ensure that all women access the appropriate care they need, when they need it.

Coverage mentioning BAPRAS:

• The Telegraph - Breast cancer patients are being denied 'life-changing' reconstructive surgery, research shows
• The Independent - Women with breast cancer denied life-changing reconstructive surgery to 'reduce NHS costs', investigation finds
• The Press Association - Breast cancer patients ‘denied reconstructive surgery due to NHS restrictions’