Hi again,
I have recently been interviewed for a upcoming media story and have again mentioned this subject. If you look (and I am sure you have) you will see the media touch on the topic every few years in Australia. I personally believe its the breast surgeons who hold the key and are the keeper of knowledge for their patients. But I also have sensed politics is involved when it comes to who should or shouldnt be performing the procedures and how the health system can support more of these proedures. Like you say it is all referral based, but if women know they can request referrals to who ever they like then we are a step in the right direction.
This is where I believe an organisation like BCNA is essential. I think BNCA has an opportunity to reach and support all women in this situation a bit more than is currently happening. I understand that there are competing priotities, which is why I just keep chipping away at what I do looking out for any opportunity to put it out there.
To answer your question about have the resources on BCNA website been updated? no. But BCNA together with Cancer Australia have developed an online resource that does mention immediate procedures. This was launched October 2013. It is a fairly comprehensive resource, but nothing new really http://canceraustralia.gov.au/affected-cancer/cancer-types/breast-cancer/treatment/breast-reconstruction.
The trick to information resources though I believe is again the referral. It doesnt matter how good available information is, if you dont know about it (or that you need to know it), or how to find it, it cant help you.
Good luck in your quest
Louie
