Mastectomy rate tied to hospital expertise

The risk of having both breasts removed following initial surgery for breast cancer rises substantially for women treated by surgeons in hospitals where the number of breast cancer patients is small.

Research published yesterday by the National Cancer Registry (NCR) found women who have breast surgery in specialised hospitals and by specialised surgeons are less likely to need a second operation.

Of the almost one-in-five women who do have further surgery, two thirds opt for total mastectomy, which is removal of both breasts.