Audit shows large regional variations in uptake of breast reconstruction after mastectomy

NHS trusts and independent hospitals should review the way they offer breast reconstruction to women who are undergoing mastectomy, recommends a report from breast and plastic surgeons.

The second report from the national mastectomy and breast reconstruction audit undertaken by the Royal College of Surgeons shows that more women in England with a diagnosis of breast cancer are opting for an immediate reconstruction than when the audit team last reported. Between January 2008 and March 2009 one in five women chose this option, whereas in 2006 it was one in nine.

But uptake of reconstruction varies widely from one part of …