Surgeon choice could improve breast cancer treatment

Women who select their own surgeon and hospital get better breast cancer treatment than those who rely on doctor referrals, research suggests.

Patients are often referred to surgeons who, although competent, are not necessarily specialists in breast cancer operations.

Researchers from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Centre have found that women can expect better outcomes if they choose surgeons who are highly experienced in the area of surgery required.

A study of 1,844 breast cancer sufferers found that only a third were treated by a surgeon who devoted over 50 per cent of his practice to breast cancer treatment.

"Women who were more actively involved in selecting their surgeon were more likely to be treated by surgeons more experienced in breast surgery and in more comprehensive treatment settings," claimed Dr Steven Katz, director of health services research at the university's cancer centre, WebMD reports.

The research is published in the January 20th issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

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Breast cancer treatment news : 19/01/2007