I am sure that seeing this image of Kate Yeoman on the front page of the weekend newspaper was a shock to many people. Kate had both her breasts removed in a double mastectomy eight years ago and has been living with severe scarring while waiting for breast reconstruction surgery.
I commend her for having the bravery to bare all to shine a light on this issue. The experiences and feelings she and other women share in this article are something I am passionate about ensuring no woman has to live with.
Whilst this article is shocking and focuses on failures of our health system to meet public waiting lists, there is an important message that is missing.
For women in Australia facing breast cancer surgery now, it is crucial for them to be informed that they have access to immediate breast reconstruction, where the breast is reconstructed at the same time as their cancer surgery. This more recent type of surgery is available in both the public and private healthcare systems.
In the current era of reconstructive surgery, no woman should have to live with scars like this at all. Breast surgeons and plastic surgeons alike are now routinely trained to consider the cosmetic elements of their care. Reconstructions using breast implants or a woman’s own tissue can now be safely performed at the same time as cancer surgery, dramatically reducing the physical and psychological burden of mastectomy. This is considered best practice, but until we talk about it and share this option widely, women may be concerned about finding themselves in the same situation as Kate Yeoman.
I strongly urge women to ask their treating doctors about all options, not only for their cancer management, but also for reconstructive surgeries. They should seek out surgeons who offer these procedures in both the public and private systems. Sometimes those surgeons may not be local, but that does not mean they are not accessible for consultations.
For example, I offer Medicare rebated telemedicine consults for any woman in this situation, something they can access from the comfort of their own home wherever they live in this country. People may also not realise that any person in Australia can consult any specialist in any state. You do not need even need a referral, though there are important benefits in obtaining one (see below)*.
Breast reconstruction in conjunction with cancer management is another example of progress in personalised medicine, putting patient needs at the centre of how medicine is delivered. Advancements are happening at a startling rate and while the focus of stories like the one this weekend rightly highlight the flaws in our system, it is crucial that we also highlight the advancements so that all people can become educated about their rights and how to access the best current treatment for their own needs.
Contact my office for details about consultations.
* Referrals
We recommend obtaining a referral from your General Practitioner (GP) or another specialist before your first appointment, however you can make an appointment with Dr Dusseldorp without a referral.
A referral provides Dr Dusseldorp with useful information about your medical history, as well as the opportunity to communicate with your GP or other specialists, if you agree, about your consultation and treatment plan after your consultation.
A referral also enables you to claim the Medicare rebate for your specialist consultation, and helps to attract Medicare and health insurance benefits for any subsequent procedure.