Reconstructive Surgery for Breast Cancer

Some women who develop breast cancer have to go on to have a mastectomy. For many women this is not just a frightening medical matter but one which affects their self image and self esteem. Reconstructive surgery is an option for many women but recent evidence shows that this is not always offered on the NHS. Alternatively companies that offer health insurance for cancer will give you the peace of mind that you can have reconstructive surgery if you wish.

Statistics from the NHS Information Centre and Royal College of Surgeons indicate that in 2007-08 only 48% of women with breast cancer were offered reconstructive breast surgery.

Dr Chris Caddy, consultant plastic surgeon at the Sheffield Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said:

'There is a shortfall in access to breast reconstruction. We’re carrying out the audit to find out what the level of service is and where the shortfalls are.

It’s partly down to a lack of resources, the information given to women, and the options offered by the breast- care nurses who help create patient-care plans.'

The 2009 National Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction Audit showed differences between NHS and private medical care. In the Independent sector, for example women having mastectomies were treated more quickly and immediate reconstruction (those that take place straight after a mastectomy) rates in the independent sector were high.

Research also shows that there are regional variations too. Those with comprehensive health insurance for cancer however can get reconstructive breast surgery as part of their health care policy. Normally plastic surgery is not included in medical health policies but if you have a policy which includes comprehensive cancer care then this is not the case. In the UK Bupa, The Exeter Friendly Society and PruHealth provide this.

Bupa, for example offer reconstructive breast surgery after cancer in their Select Heart and Cancer Policy. Each policy is different however and the details need to be checked. The Exeter Friendly Society policy wording is as follows:

'Post-traumatic or post-surgical reconstruction to restore function or appearance is included if performed within 12 months of the injury or primary surgery. Breast surgery where the treatment is to correct disfigurement is included if it was caused by an accident or specific disease of the breast'

The PruHealth wording is as follows:

'Post-traumatic or post-surgical reconstruction to restore function or appearance is included if performed within 12 months of the injury or primary surgery. Breast surgery where the treatment is to correct disfigurement is included if it was caused by an accident or specific disease of the breast. For a Policy start or renewal date on or after 1 July 2009: We will pay for the initial reconstructive surgery to restore functional appearance following major trauma or cancer. Any subsequent related treatment will be covered if the treatment is intended to cure an acute medical condition'

One problem which can occur is that women can be uncertain as to whether they want reconstructive surgery or not until some time after their mastectomies but under current private health insurance policies they only have 12 months to make up their minds.