Responding to research published in the BMJ about minimum tumour-free margins in breast cancer surgery, Jane Murphy, Senior Clinical Nurse Specialist at Breast Cancer Now, said:
“With around 55,000 women and 370 men receiving a breast cancer diagnosis each year in the UK, it’s crucial that everyone receives the treatment most effective and suitable for them, to reduce the risk of cancer returning or spreading.
“This analysis adds to what we already know about the importance of ensuring a small amount of healthy tissue surrounding the tumour is removed during breast-conserving surgery, and [it] concludes that a minimum clear margin of at least 1 mm should be achieved.
"This evidence can now be considered within current clinical practice and should be discussed as part of the patient’s treatment.
“Anyone affected by breast cancer who is seeking information and support can speak to our expert nurses, by calling our free confidential Helpline on 0808 800 6000.”
ENDS