Breast cancer survival rates have significantly improved, with mortality decreasing from 1 in 7 in the 1990s to 1 in 20 today. At Royal Surrey, it is the second most treated cancer, with over 2,700 treatments administered in the 12 months leading up to September 2026. The hospital's dedicated teams work collaboratively to provide the best possible care.
October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity for the hospital's teams to run events promoting symptom awareness and highlighting the services available. Most patients are referred via GPs to the 'One Stop Breast Clinic', which offers examination, imaging, and biopsies. These clinics run three times weekly, accommodating 87 new appointments.
Olga Sueros-Velarde, Lead Breast Clinical Nurse Specialist, stated: “Our multidisciplinary breast teams at Royal Surrey are truly dedicated to the management and care of people who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.” The hospital's specialist teams include Oncoplastic Breast Surgery, Breast Radiology, Primary and Secondary Breast Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), Breast Oncology, and Breast Histopathology.
The Oncoplastic Breast Surgical team collaborates with CNSs and runs the Regional Gene Carrier Service. The Breast Radiology team supports surgeons in the One Stop Clinic and utilises state-of-the-art equipment for further testing. Primary Breast CNSs offer comprehensive support from diagnosis through follow-up, including nurse-led clinics. Secondary Breast CNSs provide expert clinical and emotional support for patients with secondary breast cancer, offering guidance and referrals to specialist services and charities.
The Breast Oncology team, comprising medical and clinical oncologists, registrars, and specialist nurses, manages chemotherapy, immunotherapy, endocrine therapy, and radiotherapy for primary and secondary breast cancer patients. This team also supports patients from Frimley Park, Ashford and St Peter’s, and East Surrey and Crawley Hospitals. The Breast Histopathology team ensures accurate and timely diagnostic results.
Royal Surrey hosts the Regional Breast Gene Carrier Service, offering monthly clinics with a multidisciplinary team including genetic counsellors, specialist nurses, a clinical psychologist, gynaecologists, and surgeons. This service aims to support individuals carrying a breast cancer gene and help them reduce their risk. The Trust is also the only one in the region offering a full Family History Assessment Service.
Innovation in breast cancer care is a focus, with a pilot digital platform for remote patient monitoring designed to enhance clinical productivity and patient care. The Oncology Research team is actively involved in multiple breast cancer trials, contributing to national and international research aimed at testing new treatments.
Felicity Paterson, Consultant Oncologist and Joint Chief of Royal Surrey’s Oncology Service, commented: “Breast cancer is not just one condition but has several different subtypes. Personalising therapy for each type of breast cancer starts with research trials. At Royal Surrey we are proud to be involved with a wide range of trials providing personalised care and a unique opportunity to our patients. We are incredibly grateful to all those who take part; by sharing their experiences and taking part in research, they’re helping to change the shape of future breast cancer care.”
Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as a reminder for people of all ages to regularly check for symptoms. For further information, individuals can visit the Royal Surrey breast cancer web pages, Breast Cancer Now, or Coppafeel!. Two patients have shared their personal stories of diagnosis and treatment.
