Tips to Find Top Rated Breast Cancer Surgeons in London

Going through a breast cancer diagnosis feels like a roller coaster ride and that is why I believe it to be the most personal and painful illness. For many, the right surgeon who possesses both medical skills and human skills will turn out to be a life saver. If you are looking for a breast cancer surgeon, there are plenty in London, a city that has world-class medical facilities. But how do you find the one who is the best fit for you? Let’s go through the answer in detail.

Why Selecting the Ideal Surgeon is Significant

You have to understand that treatment of Breast cancer isn’t only about cutting out a tumor, the whole motive is to bring back health, and confidence to the affected person. A good surgeon doesn’t just cut someone open and stitch them back together. A good surgeon changes the patient’s life for the better during a tough time. 

Choosing a breast cancer surgeon in London is not only important because it will define how the surgery will go rather it will define the whole treatment journey. We understand that in a big city like London it can be hard to select the right doctor but fortunately there is a way to go about it.

Key Qualities to Look For in a Breast Cancer Surgeon

When comparing surgeons, there are more facets to focus on other than their qualifications. Of course, an educational background or any technical proficiency is not up for bargaining. But there are other aspects of a particular surgeon that allow a surgeon to practice to the fullest of their abilities.

- Experience and Specialisation 

Find a surgeon who is dedicated to doing breast cancer surgery and has a lot of years behind him/her in this particular specialty. Surgeons that deal exclusively with breast cancer, don’t want to get left behind and so normally stay abreast to evolving changes in the field. Find someone who can appreciate variations between cases and is able to recommend appropriate solutions.

- Communication and Empathy  

The best surgeon you can have will first make sure to take you step by step through your diagnosis, treatments available and the surgery plan using language that is simple and clear. If there is no empathy, you as the patient should feel pain in the heart, as doctors are supposed to be kind and embrace you when you need the requisite support.

- Team Collaboration 

The treatment of breast cancer is not one person’s job and the concerned doctor most likely will be collaborating with an oncologist, a radiologist, or a plastic surgeon just to name a few. An exceptional breast cancer surgeon will, as a team, cooperate with their colleagues to provide a better treatment.

- Innovative Techniques

Several London based breast surgeons practice oncoplastic surgery which is a new trend of doing surgery, so it makes sense to inquire from them in advance if they are skilled in such methods. They can also point out other advanced alternatives which would be in your best interest.

Finding a Surgeon in London: Where Do You Begin?

Medical system in London is equipped with highly trained medical professionals and state of the art equipment. The following are a few practical steps to guide you in finding a competent surgeon: 

1. Recommendations First

 Referral to a proficient breast cancer surgeon can be made by your GP or oncologist. You may also want to get some insight from family, friends, or support groups that have been there before. 

2. Credentials Matter 

The next step after short listing some of the surgeons is to check on the qualifications obtained, certificates and other professional affiliations. 

3. Reviews and Testimonials Are Important 

The feedback given by patients in relation to their interactions with the surgeon can be a major advantage. Consistent improvement in the praises directed at their rehabilitation techniques, quality care and competence should be noted. 

4. Tour Their Clinic or Hospital

Not only can you get private care, but you can also find out about the available facilities. With a number of clinics in London that offer breast cancer services, getting to visit their premises can give you an idea of what the staff and services offered are like. 

5. Questions Should Be Appropriate

Some of the questions might be related to their success rates, the amount of post-operative care offered and their past experiences. Don’t be afraid to ask such questions during your first consultation.

Consider questions such as, “How many procedures like this have you done?” in order to obtain useful information.

Continue Supporting Patients After Surgery

However, having undergone surgery is not the end of the journey as far as breast cancer survival is concerned. In fact, as many breast cancer patients suggest, emotional care, follow-ups, and post-operative care are all crucial components of the treatment plan as well. There are many cases where the surgeons coordinate with counselors, physiotherapists, support groups, etc. in a bid to restore the patient’s feeling of normality.

For those who are looking to get more help in London, there is so much on offer from the breast cancer support groups to therapies designed just for you.

Conclusion

Expectations of a breast cancer patient when opting for surgery may vary and so does the need for selecting the surgeon, hence it’s deeply personal. But the surgeons in London are amongst the best residing globally which means that the care you receive cannot be sub-par. One may be able to do this by concentrating on a few key words: expertise, communication and empathy, so that you find a surgeon who not just treats you but also cares for you.