Pioneering cancer talk lauded in UK

Whangarei Hospital oncoplastic reconstructive breast surgeon Usha Shan operating using the 'tennis racquet' technique she has refined. Photo / Supplied

A Whangarei surgeon's presentation on the 'tennis racquet' technique of breast conserving surgery has earned her the prize for best oral presentation at a leading international breast surgery conference in Britain.

Whangarei Hospital oncoplastic reconstructive breast surgeon Dr Usha Shan was awarded the prize at the ORBS (oncoplastic and reconstructive breast surgery) meeting in Nottingham, England.

Dr Shan's presentation focused on the 'tennis racquet' technique of breast conserving surgery, which allows cancer to be removed while minimising deformity of the breast.

Dr Shan, who has been Whangarei Hospital's sole oncoplastic surgeon for women with breast cancer since 2006, travelled overseas in 2008 to observe the technique, which she has since modified.

"Many women accept the impact of breast conservation surgery on their appearance because they think there's no other option," Dr Shan said.

"All they want is the cancer out - they don't complain, in fact they're very grateful. But studies have shown that poor cosmetic results have a negative effect on the psyche of women - their self-esteem becomes lower. I decided I needed to do better for our Northland women."

The conference was attended by more than 400 delegates from 30 countries. Nottingham City Hospital Breast Unit has been a pioneer in breast cancer surgery and Dr Shan's presentation, which included a video and a step-by-step guide to carrying out the surgery, was chosen as the best at the event.

ORBS founder Douglas MacMillan said Dr Shan showed that by using simple oncoplastic techniques, which she gradually refined, much better outcomes were achieved. Also attending the event was the Danish surgeon who showed Dr Shan the tennis racquet technique in 2008, Helle Hvid of Viborg Hospital, who said she now inspires him. Dr Shan will hold workshops at Whangarei Hospital if there is demand from other surgeons. "I want to encourage other surgeons in the country to use this technique because it's simple, safe, effective and gives a better cosmetic outcome," she said.

Next year, her vision to create an oncoplastic unit in Whangarei Hospital will take a step forward with the recruitment of two more oncoplastic surgeons.

In the meantime, she has convened a symposium on breast cancer management at Barge Park, Whangarei, tomorrow has attracted 120 delegates.