BAPRAS: Immediate surgery access is important

More must be done to ensure women with breast cancer can access immediate reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy, according to the British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS).

The preliminary findings from the National Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction Audit highlight a number of concerns with treatment, including that only one in ten women with breast cancer has access to reconstruction surgery at the time of their mastectomy.

Chris Caddy, consultant plastic surgeon and BAPRAS member, said the audit is "the first step in giving us a comprehensive picture of the services available to women who are suffering from breast cancer".

"For many patients, reconstruction is felt to be the final step in their recovery. Currently, most women have reconstructive surgery some time after their mastectomy," he added.

"While immediate breast reconstruction has a longer anaesthetic and recovery time, it tends to achieve better cosmetic results, smaller breast scars and only one hospital stay.

"BAPRAS believes the NHS needs to do more to ensure that women have all the information they need to access immediate reconstruction and understand the benefits it has for their recovery."