Dr Simon Iu, North York General

Grace59

I have surgery booked with Dr. Simon Iu at North York General.  He is a general and thoracic surgeon.  Has anyone used him?  What are your thoughts?  Is it better to find a specialist in breast cancer at one of the cancer hospitals?

lmk

I had my surgery at a cancer centre. Personally I would want someone with experience and perhaps the best/experienced can only be found at the Cancer centres. If he is licenced in Ontario he wouldnt be able to practise in areas that he is not qualified(based on the info in the cpso.on.ca website). But based on my research, the surgery should be done by someone who also has had adequate training in sentinal node biopsies. This is based on the evidence-based care study #17-5 done by Cancer Care Ontario. This can be found on their website. i also read many different books on breast cancer, pre-surgery, & although most of them are from the U.S. healthcare prospective, there is an overwhelming concept/principle that the breast surgeon must be competent.

crazy4carrots

I had my surgery at my local hospital -- it has a Oncology Centre but the surgery is separate.  My surgeon was not a breast specialist per se but she had done many, many breast surgeries and SNBs and was considered the best at the hospital in that area.  I had absolutely no problems, she did a fantastic job!  Guess what I'm saying is -- if you have been referred to a specific surgeon, do not hesitate to ask about his/her experience in breast surgery and SNBs.  If you're still not sure, ask the doc who referred you WHY you were referred to this particular surgeon and not another.  And, if you know anyone who works at NYGH, call and ask their opinion.  Can't hurt, and may give you the peace of mind you need right now.

Grace59

Thanks ladies for your advice.  I'll ask about his experience and get the best information I can get.  I have the possibility of using another more experienced surgeon, but the time delay may be as much as two months and I don't want to wait that long.  I was initially diagnosed with DCIS and then an MRI found IDC about 2" away in the same breast.  To me, time is now of the essence.

Luah

Katiebeth: While NYG is not a "cancer centre" per se, it has a very large and established oncology practice, so you will get excellent care, I'm sure. Were you referred through the Breast Cancer Diagnostic Clinic? I had my surgery at NYG by a general surgeon who performs lots of breast cancer surgeries, she was great! It is important to be with someone who has done plenty of SNBs -- there are unique skills and judgement calls that have to be drawn on during the procedure. Ask questions and check with your GP about the referral. He/she probably knows the docs there.