Access to advanced breast cancer surgery closer to home

Sunshine Coast Health has performed its first endoscopic bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, giving eligible patients access to an advanced breast cancer surgery closer to home.

The milestone comes during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of early detection and ensuring women have access to a range of treatment options.

Clinical Service Director for Surgical and Critical Care Dr Emilia Dauway performed the surgery at Sunshine Coast University Hospital. The minimally invasive procedure uses a small incision of around 3cm to remove breast tissue and reconstruct the breasts with implants.

The benefits of using this technique include fewer operations, reduced scarring and shorter hospital stays for patients.
“It's an exciting time for breast cancer treatment because we are personalising treatment to each patient and giving them more options to make informed decisions about their care,” Dr Dauway said.

Dr Dauway said the milestone was an important step in expanding access to innovative breast cancer treatment through the public health system.

“It's really important that these approaches are offered not just privately, but in the public system, so we can maintain health equity and allow patients to access new approaches and technology,” she said.

The first patient to undergo the procedure at Sunshine Coast University Hospital had early-stage breast cancer in one breast and chose to have both breasts removed, with immediate reconstruction.

Clinical Nurse Amanda Edwards said the procedure highlighted the expertise of the hospital's surgical and nursing teams.

“It's exciting to be able to bring new technology together with techniques we already know and offer the Sunshine Coast community the same opportunities available in metropolitan hospitals,” Ms Edwards said.

Ms Edwards said access to advanced treatment locally could also ease the financial and emotional burden of travelling to Brisbane.

“People don't have to travel to major cities, sit in highway traffic and pay for parking and other expenses when they can access treatment closer to home,” she said.

“The impact that travel can have on families is huge, so it's really rewarding to be part of a team that is bringing these opportunities to our community.”

Dr Dauway said treatment options were tailored to each patient's circumstances and encouraged women to participate in breast screening, as early detection can provide more treatment choices.