October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with campaigns encouraging regular breast self-checks for both women and men, as approximately 400 men are diagnosed annually. At Royal Surrey, breast cancer is the second most treated cancer, with over 2,700 treatments administered in the 12 months leading up to September 2026. Cases are identified through GP referrals or the national screening programme.
Initial treatment often involves surgery to remove cancerous cells, with the type of procedure tailored to the individual's cancer. Options for reconstructive surgery are also available, considering factors such as body type, overall health, the need for radiation therapy, and personal recovery goals.
Helen, a patient who underwent surgery in 2011, shared her experience: “Once you are diagnosed, and if you need your surgery almost immediately, you learn about your surgical options pretty quickly. You have to make decisions quickly; I had a four-week window to talk and do some research about what was available for me.”
Surgical specialists at Royal Surrey offer various reconstructive techniques, including Therapeutic Mammoplasty, LICAP/AICAP, and implant-based reconstructions. In collaboration with plastic surgeons at Queen Victoria Hospital, they also provide Free Flap reconstructions, which involve transferring tissue from one part of the body to another.
Tracey Irvine, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon at Royal Surrey, who treated Helen, highlighted the importance of personalised reconstruction. She stated: “Around 30% of women have reconstruction at the same time as their mastectomy and it’s important to find the right option to fit with their breast size, body shape and lifestyle. We are very fortunate to have a wide range of surgical techniques on offer which means we can avoid the need for mastectomy for many of our patients. We also work with our excellent plastic surgical colleagues at The Queen Victoria Hospital so we can offer our patients the full range of reconstructive options and together with our experienced breast care nursing team we can support our patients to make the reconstructive decision that is the right one for them.”
Helen recently returned for an implant exchange 15 years after her initial surgery, emphasising the importance of rehabilitation and self-care. She echoed the month's message: “I always want to say - check your breasts, if you find anything, please go sort it out, the sooner you find it, your outcomes will hopefully be so much better.”
