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How to Find and Choose a Breast Cancer Surgeon Specialist

Last updated: 04/08/2009

How to Find a Breast Cancer Surgeon

For most women, and even many men, the thought of undergoing breast cancer surgery is a delicate topic. It is also an area with a multitude of options, each with its own set of benefits and risks. Finally, the fact that so many types of treatment options can and should be combined to combat breast cancer makes the process of outlining a plan very complex. In this often convoluted decision-making process, patients naturally prefer to turn to a surgeon who is skilled, personable, and willing to discuss every possibility at length. How does the patient find the right breast cancer surgeon to fit the bill?

The Personal Touch

The most honest appraisal of a surgeon’s abilities comes from his or her patients. They are, after all, not obligated to withhold information—if anything, a patient’s right and duty is to simply tell the truth about his or her experience with a surgeon. With that in mind, start your search with personal referrals. Doctors and insurance companies can help get you started, but in the end, the least biased opinions come from friends, coworkers, and family members who have been operated on by a particular surgeon.

Of course, this is not to say that you should pick a surgeon based on one highly subjective opinion. An enthusiastic recommendation is a great place to begin searching for a breast cancer surgeon, but you should balance that with other opinions—including professional opinions—and your own research. Once you’ve received a few names, you can also supplement that list with more objective evidence of a surgeon’s skill.

Practice Makes Perfect

Regardless of whether you choose a general surgeon or a surgical oncologist, the most important part in determining your surgeon’s skill is not his or her title, but his or her experience. High-volume surgeons who have had years of performing the same procedure on patient after unique patient are the safest bet. Check a potential surgeon’s history of medical practice and his or her patient records—any breast cancer surgeon who has had a steady stream of patients must be doing something right.

Be Proactive

Personal anecdotes and medical histories can only tell you so much about a surgeon. Once you think you’ve narrowed down your choices, it’s time take the opportunity to gauge your surgeon in person. Arrive for a preliminary consultation well-armed with questions and be prepared to absorb information. A few preliminary inquiries you might ask:

How long have you been practicing?
How long have you been performing this specific surgery?
What certifications and awards do you have?
Are you a member of any surgical societies or organizations?
What has your success rate been?
What is your general patient satisfaction?
What options do I have for treating my condition?
Can you negotiate costs and lay out other possible treatment plans?

A good surgeon will be receptive to all these inquiries. If you feel that your surgeon is uncomfortable speaking about any of the above topics, or that he or she is withholding information, take these as warning signs. Your surgeon should have your well-being placed as their highest priority, and to do so, honest communication needs to be the rule.

Last Updated: 04/08/2009

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