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Minimum standards of care for breast cancerEvery woman should have:
- A prompt referral by a GP to a team specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, including a consultant from within the team.
- A firm diagnosis within 4 weeks of being referred to a hospital by a general practitioner.
- The opportunity of a confirmed diagnosis before consenting to treatment, including surgery.
- Access to a specialist breast care nurse trained to give information and psychological support.
- Full information about types of surgery (including breast reconstruction where appropriate), and the role of medical treatments (eg radiotherapy, chemotherapy, tamoxifen, etc).
- A full explanation about the aims of the treatments proposed and their benefits and possible side effects.
- As much time as she needs to consider treatment options.
- A sensitive and complete breast prosthesis fitting service, where appropriate.
- The opportunity to meet a former breast cancer patient who has been trained to offer support.
- Information on all support services available to patients with breast cancer and their families.
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About these pages: Contact
Nina Pope - UKBCA@somewhere.org.uk