Patient Information
In recent years we have witnessed enormous advances in the
treatment of breast cancer. However, few people appreciate that
surgery remains the mainstay of treatment and is responsible for
curing many people.
Whilst there have been many significant breakthroughs with new
cancer drugs, less is known about the advances in cancer surgery
over this time. Breast cancer surgery has changed so that complete
removal of tumours can now be achieved as well as a good cosmetic
result. As a result more people are now able to lead normal and
fulfilling lives.
The Association of Breast Surgery is working to improve
surgery and standards of care for people with breast
cancer. Along with the other Specialist Surgical Societies, we
have promoted specialisation of UK surgeons to ensure that patients
see surgeons with a special interest in breast cancer. The
ABS will continue to promote earlier diagnosis, develop better
treatment and guidelines to ensure high quality treatment for all
in the UK.
Whilst we are happy to provide information and help about the
Association and its role, we are unable to provide recommendations
of individual surgeons to members of the public. If you have any
concerns about symptoms you may be experiencing you should contact
your GP.
Oncoplastic breast reconstruction: guidelines for best practice
- Information for patients
This information for patients has been produced with
Breast Cancer Care to complement the Oncoplastic
Breast Reconstruction: Guidelines for
Best Practice. They aim to help ensure that all
breast cancer patients are well informed about oncoplastic breast
reconstruction and set out what all breast cancer patients can
expect from their breast reconstruction team.
To download the guidelines please click here
Information on the use of biological tissue matrices
in breast implant reconstruction
Lifecell have produced information about the use of biological
tissue matrices in breast implant reconstruction to provide
professional and patient advocacy groups with relevant information
for patient support materials. To view this information
please click here
Patients may find the following websites of use:
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 | Breakthrough Breast Cancer
Breakthrough Breast Cancer is dedicated to improving and saving
lives through breast cancer prevention, early diagnosis, more
targeted treatments and better services.
They provide information on breast cancer, including a best
treatment guide for women diagnosed with breast cancer.
Publications are available at the website or by calling
Breakthrough's free information line on 08080 100 200 (Mon-Fri,
9:00-17:30).
View our website
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 | Breast Cancer Care
Breast Cancer Care is here for anyone affected by breast cancer.
We bring people together, provide information and support, and
campaign for improved standards of care.
Our free Helpline, information-packed website, award winning
publications and online discussion forums offer a friendly ear and
expert guidance to anyone who needs us. Across the UK, we also
offer skilled emotional and practical support through a range of
confidential, face-to-face services, helping people every step of
the way.
Call our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 or click on one of the
following links:
Helpline link
Publications
link
Online
discussion forums
Face-to-face services
View our website
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 | Macmillan Cancer Support
The Macmillan Support Line is Macmillan's helpline for people
affected by cancer. It's free to ring from landlines and mobiles
phones, and is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm. Call 0808 808 00
00
People who ring the helpline are often upset because they or a
loved one have been diagnosed with cancer. They usually call to ask
a question, get support or simply just to chat. The cancer support
specialists working on the Macmillan Support Line make a big
difference to people's lives by:
• Providing a caller with up-to-date information about a
specific cancer or treatment that is affecting them
• Listening to the concerns of a person who has rang and
supporting them emotionally
• Telling a caller about the financial benefits they may be
entitled to and helping them to fill out complicated benefits
forms
• Directing people to support that may be available from other
health and social care organisations
• Informing people about the support available in their area, for
example, local cancer support groups.
And some other Macmillan services of note:
Information and Support Centres,
our Support Groups,
our mobile centres,
our publications,
Macmillan nurses,
Macmillan grants and
Financial guidance
View our website
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 | The Haven
The Haven is a charity that supports anyone affected by breast
cancer, either from its three Haven centres in London, Leeds and
Hereford, over the telephone or via the website. A "Haven at
Home" DVD and audio CD is also available. All the services
are free of charge.
The charity provides a wide range of therapies and approaches to
help people cope with the physical and emotional effects of breast
cancer and its treatment. Specialist cancer nurses and
experts in emotional support, complementary therapies, nutrition,
exercise and stress-reduction, provide a tailor-made programme of
supportive care to help people feel better
People can access the service before, during or after medical
treatment for cancer and help is also available to family members
and friends.
Tel: 020 7384 0099
View our website
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