Variation in practice and provision of contralateral symmetrising mastectomy after unilateral mastectomy for…

StudyEuropean journal of surgical oncology : the journal of the European Society of Surgical Oncology and the British Association of Surgical Oncology· Jul 2026

Variation in practice and provision of contralateral symmetrising mastectomy after unilateral mastectomy for breast cancer: A UK national practice survey.

David Evans, Katherine Fairhurst, Cora Griffin … FLAME study collaborators

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Breast ReconstructionStudyClinical practiceQ1IF 2.8

Few UK units have a formal pathway for contralateral symmetrising mastectomy.

Variation in practice and provision of contralateral symmetrising mastectomy after unilateral mastectomy for breast cancer: A UK national practice survey.

David Evans … FLAME study collaborators

European journal of surgical oncology · Jul 2026 · Q1 in Surgery

Background

Contralateral symmetrising mastectomy (contralateral symmetrising mastectomy) may be a good alternative to breast reconstruction for some women following a single mastectomy for breast cancer, but women report challenges accessing care.

Methods

An online survey was developed to explore current pathways for women seeking contralateral symmetrising mastectomy and the information and support provided.

n = 14

Results

28%

Only 28% of units had a formal pathway for contralateral symmetrising mastectomy.

n = 14

More results

51 units participated in the survey.

None of the pathways had been developed with patients.

Units without pathways reported managing patients on a case-by-case basis.

Over 70% (n = 36) only discussed contralateral symmetrising mastectomy if this was specifically raised by the patient.

“

Conclusion

There is significant variation in the practice and provision of contralateral symmetrising mastectomy in the UK. Consensus-based guidelines are needed to support equitable and appropriate access to care.

Variation in practice and provision of contralateral symmetrising mastectomy after unilateral mastectomy for breast cancer: A UK national practice survey.

Variation in practice and provision of contralateral symmetrising mastectomy after unilateral mastectomy for breast cancer: A UK national practice survey.

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