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Minimum standards of care for breast cancer

Every woman should have:

  1. 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.
  2. A firm diagnosis within 4 weeks of being referred to a hospital by a general practitioner.
  3. The opportunity of a confirmed diagnosis before consenting to treatment, including surgery.
  4. Access to a specialist breast care nurse trained to give information and psychological support.
  5. Full information about types of surgery (including breast reconstruction where appropriate), and the role of medical treatments (eg radiotherapy, chemotherapy, tamoxifen, etc).
  6. A full explanation about the aims of the treatments proposed and their benefits and possible side effects.
  7. As much time as she needs to consider treatment options.
  8. A sensitive and complete breast prosthesis fitting service, where appropriate.
  9. The opportunity to meet a former breast cancer patient who has been trained to offer support.
  10. 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