Oncoplastic breast surgery in Europe

Abstract

Oncoplastic breast surgery (OPS) has become an integral part of breast cancer surgery for both breast conservation and mastectomies. In recent years, the emphasis on early detection and the advances in systemic and locoregional therapy has improved prognosis leading to an increased focus on survivorship and quality of life issues including patients’ short and long-term aesthetic appearance as a key part of the surgical management. There is a significant variation across Europe in the type of specialist performing breast cancer surgery and the provision of OPS as such. In the traditional model, breast cancer care was provided by gynecologists in some countries, general surgeons, surgical oncologists, and breast surgeons in others. However recently, surgeons throughout Europe have extended their skill-base to include level 1 and 2 OPS and implant- and pedicle-flap based breast reconstruction. For breast surgeons to become proficient in these techniques, a standardized level of training and expertise is needed. The European Society of Mastology (EUSOMA) set standards for a specialist health professional in the field of breast cancer, the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS) examinations and the global curriculum that was developed by the American Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) and the European Society of Surgical Oncology (ESSO) aims to improve standards of OPS practice across Europe. The new generation of breast surgeons, therefore, should be equipped with the necessary skill set to provide high quality OPS while keeping abreast of novel technologies and techniques aiming to provide patients with excellent long-term quality of life.